Today is Cherry Blossom Day ~ On March 27, 1912, 1st Lady Taft and Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese ambassador planted a cherry tree on the bank of the Tidal Basin. This started a hundred plus year tradition in Washington D.C. known as the Cherry Blossom Festival. Over the next 7 years more than 3,000 trees were planted which had been grafted from trees on the bank of the Arakawa River in Adachi Ward (Tokyo). Cherry Treas are one of the most prominent symbols of the U.S. capital today. In fact, visitors from around the globe travel to Washington, D.C. every spring to see the Cherry trees in bloom
Cherry blossoms can be used in teas such as Sachura Tea (made by pouring hot water over a salted cherry blossom, or in teabags containing dried flowers), deserts such as Sachura Mochi (filled with anko, or sweetened red bean paste) and as flavorings for other foods.
Cherry blossoms are a popular adornment for floral decor and used by florists everywhere.
Really, it is “Make up Your Own Holiday Day,” so I decided to call today March 26, Florists Day!