Purity Blossoms

Beautiful red cherry blossoms explode in full bloom against a white and pink background in this amazing Chinese wall fan. The cherry blossom is the national flower of Japan and holds a sacred place in the hearts of many Asian countries. In Japan they symbolize the clouds because of their propensity to bloom all at once. The cherry blossom is also associated with the ephemeral side of life, as they bloom, die and then bloom again. This association also ties in strongly with Buddhism, as the Buddhists view life cycles in the same way. It is not uncommon for Zen Buddhist monasteries to be flanked by multiple cherry blossom trees. Due to these reasons, and for its alluring beauty, the cherry blossom has been the feature of all kinds of art work, film, anime and manga. As would be expected, Japan grows a wide variety of cherry blossoms, also known as the sakura. There are well over 200 cultivars of the cherry blossom in Japan alone. The most popular variety is called the Somei Yoshino. April is typically the month when the cherry blossom trees begin to flower. Festivals are held all over the country to usher in the new season. The most widely known festival is called Hanami (flower viewing) and thousands of people flock to parks simply to view the flowering sakura trees. Often parties will be held under the trees until the late hours of the night. It is at this time (April) that school children begin their new semesters and businesses start their new year. Today the cherry blossom is viewed as a symbol of beauty and purity by almost every culture in the world. Women tattoo it on their bodies, films such as the Last Samurai feature it, and it is a popular theme on women's clothing. The white background of this fan symbolizes purity and creates a magnificent contrast to the pink cherry blossom design. Hang this gorgeous Asian wall fan in your home for a superb decorative touch.