Heaven of Tea

Recently we explained the Japanese tradition of Hanami and how it inspired our Spring teapots, tea cups and other tea accessories. Hanami celebrations honor not only Spring, but the blooming of the Sakura, or Japanese Cherry Tree. But Hanami is not limited to Japan. The Japanese Cherry Tree is such a beautiful tree that the Hanami tradition has become an international concept. Typically called a ‘Cherry Blossom Festival’ in the U.S., these festivals celebrate Spring and blooms we love.

In 1905, Eliza Scidmore experienced the beauty of Sakura Trees firsthand on a trip to Japan. She was mesmerized and became determined to bring the trees to Washington, DC. Eventually she helped arrange a gift from Japan to the U.S. of over 3,000 Japanese Cherry trees which were planted around the National Mall. Since 1912, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which is very similar to the Japanese Hanami celebrations, has been celebrated during the Spring. This year will be the 100^th anniversary of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

There are other large Cherry Blossom Festivals in Macon, Georgia, Brooklyn, New York (called the Sakura Matsuri) and Philadelphia. Fun to attend, they make a great way to kick off Spring and celebrate the beautiful Sakura blossoms that signify the new season.

At Teavana you can now find Sakura Allure green tea, which is a delicious cherry flavored green tea that calls to mind these wonderful festivals (our Flora tea tins are perfect for storing a Sakura-inspired tea). And our new Red Bloom teapot set features blooming Sakura tree blossoms for a brilliant design. Celebrate the Cherry Blossom festival this Spring in one of these cities or with friends in your backyard. Simply add tea to keep it Japanese!