What is the cherry blossom's meaning?

In Japanese culture, the cherry blossom signifies the cycle of life and death. Beyond this, the beautiful pink flower is admired during the spring in Japan and to welcome the New Year.

Cherry blossom is known as "sakura" in Japan. The flower is so revered in that country that students usually take at least a half-day holiday once the cherry trees bloom. The community then gets together for a celebration of the New Year with music, food and dance.

The meaning of reproduction and rebirth comes from ancient Japanese folk religions and traditions. The trees held the spirits of the mountain gods and were considered sacred.