The Tradition of O-hanami
During the Heian period in Japan (794-1185), aristocrats organized celebrations under the flowering cherry trees. This led to the tradition of o-hanami: contemplating (mi) the blossoms (hana). The custom spread over the centuries, becoming popular with people from all walks of life.
Since Japanese cherry trees are not very hardy and seldom bloom in our Montreal climate, the Montreal Botanical Garden uses flowering crabapples to create a similar tranquil, romantic and zen atmosphere.
Every May the Montreal Botanical Garden organizes a picnic that takes
place in their Japanese Garden and Pavillon. It's a popular social event that many Montrealers welcome with open arms....... since it also marks the arrival of blue skies and warm "t-shirt & shorts" temperatures for the coming months. This year, DJ and I went with friends and it was very enjoyable. We roamed around the grounds ooo-ing and ahh-ing the magnificent flowering crabapple trees that were in full bloom. These blooms came in shades of pink to pale yellows to shimmering white! And, some were fragrant.
We picked a spot to enjoy the pre-ordered Bento box lunch. It was nice to relax, people watch and just soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the moment.
All in all, we had a fabulous time. See you there next May.
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