HANAMI: A Flowering Celebration! The beginning of spring (March-April) is a very special time in Japan, because this is when
Japan's famous cherry trees come into flower. The Japanese celebrate this happy time with
festivals and flower-viewing parties.
At the end of winter, everyone's excitement starts to grow. The whole country wants to know the
day when the cherry flowers ("sakura") will appear. Starting in February, weathermen try to
guess when this day will be.
When the first flowers open on the trees, national joy starts.. There are rides and games for
children in the streets, music and dance performances, tea ceremonies, flower displays, and much
more.
But the most special thing that people do at this time is have "hanami" parties. Hanami means
flower watching. In hanami parties, families and friends take a picnic and go and sit under a
cherry tree to look and admire the flowers. Hanami parties take place during the daytime and
also at night, because when it is dark, lights light up the cherry trees.
1. Answer the questions
1. Why is the beginning of spring important in Japan?
2. What trees come into flower?
3. How do they celebrate this time?
4. What does all the country want to know?
5. In what month begin the cherry trees to blossom?
6. Are there many ceremonies and performances during these days?
7. What is the most special thing?
8. What does the word HANAMI mean?
9. Do they go to special parties?
10. What do the Japanese people think about?​

1. The beginning of spring is important in Japan because it marks the time when Japan's famous cherry trees come into flower, which is a significant event in Japanese culture.

2. The cherry trees come into flower during this time. They are also known as sakura trees.

3. The Japanese celebrate this time with festivals and flower-viewing parties. They have rides and games for children in the streets, music and dance performances, tea ceremonies, flower displays, and much more.

4. The whole country wants to know the day when the cherry flowers will appear. Starting in February, weathermen try to predict when this day will be. It creates excitement and anticipation for everyone.

5. The cherry trees begin to blossom in the months of March or April.

6. Yes, there are many ceremonies and performances during these days. The festivals include music and dance performances, tea ceremonies, and other forms of entertainment.

7. The most special thing that people do at this time is have "hanami" parties. Hanami means flower watching. Families and friends take a picnic and go sit under a cherry tree to look and admire the flowers.

8. The word "HANAMI" means flower watching. It refers to the act of going to a place where cherry trees are blooming, sitting under them, and enjoying the view of the flowers.

9. Yes, they go to special parties called hanami parties. Families and friends take part in these parties, and they bring food and drinks for a picnic under the cherry trees.

10. During this time, the Japanese people think about enjoying the beauty of nature, spending time with family and friends, and celebrating the arrival of spring. The cherry blossoms symbolize the renewal and fleeting nature of life, so people also reflect on the transient nature of beauty and life itself.