National Cherry Blossom Festival - Washington, DC | Lifestyle Photographer Harrisburg, PA

A couple weekends ago my family and I made an impromptu trip down to Washington, DC to see the beautiful Cherry blossoms.  We had planned on making the trip on the 31st, however, since it has been so unseasonably warm this spring, the blooms progressed about 10-14 days ahead of time!

Every year, in our nation's capital, thousands of people gather to celebrate the wonderful gift from the Japanese Emperor in 1912.  This year's celebration runs from March 20 until April 27, 2012.

Little known fact:  The original gift was in 1910 and contained 'mature' Cherry trees, guaranteed to bloom, however, upon arrival in the United States, these mature trees were deemed diseased and burned immediately.  The Japanese- and specifically Dr. Takamine and Mr. Midzuno- were not to be to be deterred, so they regrew healthy, non-diseased trees and again sent a gift to the United States (of over 3,000 trees!!).  This gift, fortunately, was healthy and VERY successful!

This year's celebration marks the 100th anniversary of the gift, and along with the beautiful weather we have been experiencing, there are some great activities going on throughout Washington, DC that visitors can take part in.

Fact:  There are over 10 varieties of Cherry trees present in and around the Tidal Basin and National Mall.  Most people think there are only a couple of varieties, but in reality on a stroll around the Basin, you could see varieties ranging from A to Z.

You can read more about the National Cherry Blossom Festival at the official website: National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Enjoy!

The two following images are an Akebono Cherry tree.  This variety is found around the Tidal Basin, amongst the more prevalent Yoshino Cherry trees.  These are a modified variety of the Yoshino Cherry tree. The blossoms begin as a pale pink (see the bud below) and as they mature, they reach a pale, pale pink to white color.

 This happens to be my favorite blossom: Sargent Cherry trees.  They create a single, deeper pink blossom and are beautiful!  Please see my April 2012 Desktop Image post for another stunning image of this beautiful blossom- one you can download and use as your own desktop! 

 The following two images are Yoshino Cherry trees.  These are the predominant tree found around the Tidal Basin. 

 The weather was beautiful, so we strolled around the Tidal Basin, taking in the monuments from a different perspective.  I have to say, it smelled heavenly!

 The following is an image of the Japanese Lantern.  The lantern was originally supposed to given to the United States in 1921, to compliment the large and flourishing gift of the trees from 1912.  However, diplomatic relations and eventually the onset of World War II (U.S. entry began with the Japanese bombing of several strategic locations) caused a major halt in the gift's movement.  Following the end of World War II, Ambassador Sadao Iguchi on March 30, 1954 gave the Lantern to the city of Washington, D.C..  The lantern represents the opening of a peaceful relationship between the United States and Japan.  Every year, during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the lantern is lit, during the Lantern Lighting Ceremony, by the Cherry Blossom Princess, who is appointed by the Embassy of Japan.

 The following is an image of the Japanese Pagoda- a gift of friendship.  It was sent in 1957 by Ryozo Hiranuma, the Mayor of Yokahama, Japan.  Pagodas symbolize a balance between the elements of water, stone, and vegetation.

 

Please read more details about the Cherry Blossoms at the Tidal Basin on the National Park Service- Cherry Blossom Festival.

Be Blessed.