We’ve finally made it, folks! After the perilous eternal winter that curses the land finally lifts, at long last, the joy of spring returns once again. And along with the blooming sensation of spring comes the more literal blooming of the famous Washington D.C. cherry blossoms! Whether seen in person or only through advertisements, it cannot be denied that the cherry blossoms are a wondrous sight to behold. But how much does the average American actually know about this little pink flower that the nation’s capital is known for? Come learn about the history of Washington’s signature flower, a story that’s in full bloom this spring!
Although Washington D.C.’s Anacostia Park earned its fame from the beloved cherry blossoms, the trees actually originated from Japanese soil. In 1912, Japan shipped over 3,000 sakura (cherry blossom) trees to American shores as a gift of friendship. The sentiment has evidently yet to expire; every time spring rolls around again, the cherry blossoms enter their full bloom at the same time in both Japan and the United States.
America’s appreciation of the cherry blossoms has been made a secret to none—the U.S. has even gone so far as to establish the annual cherry blossom festival, a grand celebration that takes place in downtown Washington. The festival was named an official part of America’s celebration of spring by the District of Columbia’s Board of Commissioners in 1935. In addition to the magnificent festival, there is also the crowning of the “Cherry Blossom Princess.” Every year, women in their late teens to early twenties from all across America are offered the opportunity to represent their state in D.C. as the Cherry Blossom Princess. The “Princess” of each state is selected based on her contributions to her community, making the program a pageant of brains rather than one of beauty. The Cherry Blossom Princess tradition is a staple of one of America’s grandest celebrations, and an empowering symbol of womanhood.
For over a century now, the cherry blossom trees have bestowed Washington DC with their blooming, an event so beautiful that people from across the country come to witness it. What began as a symbol of friendship from one powerful nation to another has grown into an American staple, not just of the coming of spring, but of the beauty and majesty of our beloved country.
