The cherry blossoms are so popular, they even
have their own forecast, which allows savvy
travelers to plan their trips during peak viewing
times. In a culture with strict work schedules,
employers and employees allow themselves
time off from work to relax and enjoy the
peaceful scenery with cherry trees in public
gardens and city parks, picturesque towns and
villages, or in the surrounding areas.
Coworkers, families, and friends hold social
gatherings with food, song, dancing, and
camaraderie.
A significant symbol of the rich Japanese
culture, cherry blossoms are prominently
featured in paintings, film, poetry, and
literature, and embraced by foreigners who
appreciate the numerous fascinating aspects
of traditional Japan, including the magic of
cherry blossom season.
Interesting fact: in 1912, over 3000 cherry
trees were gifted by Japanese officials to the
American people as a lasting gesture of
friendship. The cherry trees were planted in
Washington D.C, and this began an enduring
annual spring tradition - the National Cherry
Blossom Festival where large crowds of people
can admire the delicate pink and white flowers.
Easter Traditions
In the Western world, Easter - the second
major Christian holiday, is most commonly
observed during the month of April, although
its exact date varies, depending on religious
calendars year after year. In many countries,
Easter can be a public or non-public holiday
that brings together friends, families,
neighbors, and nations, even those that do not
share the same main religion.
Interesting fact: the word Easter, of Anglo-
Saxon and Germanic origin, comes from old
chronology, a month corresponding to April,
which was named after Ēostre, an ancient
goddess of fertility and spring, in whose honor
feasts were celebrated during that particular
month.
Easter parades are now held in many American
cities, though not sponsored by any government,
involving festive processions mostly of secular
significance. This event is the perfect
opportunity to share common customs, partake
in traditional meals, and focus on spiritual
matters, in addition to following non-religious
themed trends, which have become increasingly
popular throughout the world.
For Christians, traditional Easter mass is a night-
long sermon, worshippers attend Sunday service
to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, and members of
the congregation light their candles from the new
flame, just as the priest has retrieved it from the
altar. The cross in the church is often draped in a
white shroud symbolizing the resurrection, and
people return to their homes carrying lit candles
along with pieces of bread that has been blessed
by the priest or minister. By following Easter
rituals, people feel purified and more spiritually
aligned for the months ahead.
Food Specialties
During Easter celebrations, specific dishes are
prepared, to be exchanged and enjoyed by
Christian communities of all sizes, from small
family circles to entire towns. Lamb is widely
consumed, mirroring the Jewish Passover meal,
along with ritual bread, sweet bread, and other
traditional meals.
A hot cross bun is a spiced bun usually made with
fruit, marked with a cross on the top, which has
been eaten on Good Friday in countries like the
United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South
Africa, Canada, India, Pakistan, Malta, United
States and the Commonwealth Caribbean.
For lunch or dinner on Holy Saturday, families in
Sweden and Denmark traditionally feast on a
smörgåsbord of herring, salmon, potatoes, eggs,
and other kinds of food. In Finland, it is common
to eat roasted lamb with potatoes and other
vegetables. Also in Finland, the Lutheran majority
enjoys mämmi as another traditional Easter treat,
while the Orthodox minority's traditions include
eating pasha (also spelled paskha) instead.
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