This month’s Life in Colour theme of Pink was perfectly timed for sakura season. Otherwise known as cherry blossoms, sakura are the flowers of the genus Prunus trees. For a couple weeks at the beginning of each spring, cherry blossoms bloom into clouds of pink and white.
Those who have been lucky enough to visit Japan during sakura season will know about hanami, the tradition of cherry blossom flower viewing. The practice of hanami dates back to the Nara period (710-794) and is rooted in the metaphorical meanings attributed to sakura. Tied to the Buddhist themes of mortality, mindfulness, and living in the present, sakura symbolize the fleeting nature of life. Just as human existence is transient, sakura bloom and flourish into vibrant flowers, only to fall from their trees and end their life cycle a short time later.
Cherry blossom trees have spread around the world far beyond Japan. In Toronto, Canada, there are several spots around the city for viewing these delicate blooms starting around late April every year. The most popular destination is undoubtedly High Park, although this experience has become tarred in recent years by the destructive behaviour of crowds seeking out their highly coveted Instagram photos. During these unusual times, the sakura trees in High Park have actually been blocked off in lieu of a BloomCam for virtual viewing.
For a more undisturbed experience, I recommend taking a stroll around the University of Toronto St. George campus, where you can find a small area of sakura beside Robarts Library.







what beautiful symbolism for such beautiful blooms!
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For sure. Thanks for reading!
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Beautiful photos that illustrate this lovely blossoming. I also thought that for once we can associate beauty with the university library whose brutalist style lacks elegance.
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Yes, I remember Robarts from my undergrad days at U of T. The most depressing building on campus and a terrible place to study!
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So delicate and beautiful.
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Yes, I love them. Thanks for reading!
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What a lovely post Jess, with beautiful delicate blossom photos. Such a shame that people spoil the experience.
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Thank you!
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Simply beautiful. I can spend time just gazing at them. We don’t have them here, and I long for the day when I can see them once again.
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I guess cherry blossoms can only grow in temperate climates. They are lovely to see. Thanks for reading!
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So beautiful.
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The cherry blossoms do brighten up the streets. Thanks for reading!
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Such a lovely blossoming, on a promising day๐
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Thanks for reading!
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I’ve seen cherry blossoms in France before, but never in Japan. I’d love to go back to Japan someday to experience them; it’s definitely a bucket list-type of thing to check out, that’s for sure!
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Visiting Japan during sakura season is also on my travel bucket list. Someday!
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ahhh it is that time of the year.
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Yes it is!
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Beautiful blossoms ๐
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Beautiful pictures!
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Thanks!
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I love cherry blossoms, they’re so delicate and gorgeous. Beautiful photos.
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Thank you! They are a beautiful sign of spring.
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They’re beautiful. Sad to hear about Instagrammers ruining things. Did you see cherry blossoms in Japan?
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No, I was there in the fall so saw the autumn colours but no cherry blossoms. Someday I would like to go back to Japan in the spring for sakura season.
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Me, too.
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I can’t get enough of cherry blossoms! They are just so pretty. This year I’m extremely happy to learn about all the places worldwide where I can find them so thank you for adding another to my list!
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We’re lucky to live in a similar climate and the blossoms this year have been a real highlight after a cold, miserable winter. Beautiful photos!
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Cherry blossoms are so beautiful! Love your pics from the University of Torontoโs campus.
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We love this flower! Not sure why they are call cherry bloosoms if they are not giving cherries….
Great work!
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