Hanami

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A cultural event in Japan that involves celebrating the beauty of cherry blossoms through gatherings and festivities each spring season
2. A traditional Japanese practice where people come together to enjoy the sight of blooming cherry trees and appreciate nature's beauty
3. An annual Japanese tradition of appreciating and celebrating the blooming cherry blossoms outdoors

Etymology: Hanami is a compound of two plain Japanese words: "hana," meaning flower, and "mi," from "miru," to see or look at. Put together, the term means something like flower viewing, and in common use it refers specifically to the cherry blossom season, when people gather under the trees to picnic and enjoy the brief bloom. The word's meaning has narrowed over time. Its literal sense covers any flower, but in everyday Japanese "hana" by itself often implies cherry blossoms, so hanami has come to mean cherry blossom viewing in particular. The custom of gathering to admire blossoms is itself old, and the English borrowing carries that cultural association with it.

Synonyms: flower viewing, blossom viewing, sakura appreciation, cherry blossom festival, spring celebration