In 1885, a young American woman named Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore returned from the first of what would be many trips to Japan. Her brother, George, was a career diplomat, and she was often able to accompany him on his overseas assignments, which brought her to places that at the time were often inaccessible to many others. Her world travels would suit her well: She was an early writer for National Geographic and eventually would become the first woman named to the Board of Trustees of the National Geographic Society.
After returning from her first trip to Japan, Eliza became a vocal advocate of importing one of that country’s most symbolic offerings: the cherry blossom.
Known as sakura in Japan, the delicate white and pink blooms of cherry trees have long been associated with the arrival of spring. In Japanese culture, cherry blossoms have always held special significance. Even to this day, families, friends, and colleagues gather for hanami, the practice of enjoying cherry blossoms when they are in full bloom. It’s a time for barbecues, picnics, sharing sweets, and celebration. In the nighttime hours, when the romantic beauty of the sakura is enhanced by the light of the Moon, hanami is known as yozakura, a time that brings out friends and lovers who stroll promenades that seem to be filled with a special kind of magic.
Eliza’s early attempts to encourage the planting of cherry trees in Washington, D.C., were rebuffed, but nonetheless she persisted. In 1909, she made some headway by setting off a chain of events that would lead to the donation of 2,000 trees from the city of Tokyo to the United States. Unfortunately, all of these trees had to be destroyed, as they were infested with invasive insects.
Finally, in 1912, 3,020 healthy cherry trees arrived in Seattle from Japan to make their way via rail to the nation’s capital.
On March 27, 1912, First Lady Helen Herron Taft and Viscountess Iwa Chinda, wife of Japanese Ambassador Chinda Sutemi, planted the first two trees in West Potomac Park. Eliza was the only private citizen in attendance.
Those two trees—planted in a ceremony over a century ago—still stand today. They have been joined by thousands of others planted around the National Mall and Potomac Park in Washington, D.C. Every year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival draws people from all over the country and the world. Not only are the blossoming trees a symbol of renewal and life, but also they are a testament to diplomacy and the perseverance of one very determined woman.
As for Eliza, she passed away in 1928, at the age of 72. Her ashes are interred in a cemetery in Japan under a plaque that reads: “A lady who loved cherry blossoms rests here in peace.”
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is just one of several events that happen around the world to herald the arrival of spring. Also, remember that the festival of Passover begins at sundown on Saturday, March 27!
Daylight hours are continuing to increase, which means potentially more time in the garden! A good option for most gardens is a raised bed—and you can easily and inexpensively build your own!
Before putting any seedlings into the ground, be sure to consult our Planting Guide, which will give you the best dates to plant vegetables based on your location.
Looking for advice on when to plant flowers? Check out our Guide to Planting Annuals, Perennials, and Bulbs!
Finally, did you know that the date of Easter is determined by the Moon? It’s true! Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday following the full Moon that falls on or just after the spring equinox.
The next full Moon—known as the full Worm Moon—arrives on Sunday, March 28. Easter is observed on Sunday, April 4. |
As sure as the Sun will rise and set each day, The Old Farmer’s Almanac is here for you, now and always.
Your Friends from The Old Farmer’s Almanac |
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