Ceremony and Ritual in Japan
![Springtime in Japan is one of the year's most anticipated events. With it comes Ohanami--cherry blossom time. During Ohanami season, which lasts only a few short weeks, the people of Japan turn out in droves to gather in city parks and private gardens in celebration of the ephemeral beauty of the flowering trees. Springtime in Japan is one of the year's most anticipated events. With it comes Ohanami--cherry blossom time. During Ohanami season, which lasts only a few short weeks, the people of Japan turn out in droves to gather in city parks and private gardens in celebration of the ephemeral beauty of the flowering trees.](http://d2fgx9frc7irjm.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/styles/max_large/public/0130059_2.jpg?itok=drHQ4EhC)
Springtime in Japan is one of the year's most anticipated events. With it comes Ohanami--cherry blossom time. During Ohanami season, which lasts only a few short weeks, the people of Japan turn out in droves to gather in city parks and private gardens in celebration of the ephemeral beauty of the flowering trees.
Image © 2002 Robert George
A story told with photos.