What does the cherry blossom symbolize?

Cherry blossoms symbolize the arrival of spring, beauty, the fragility of life, the honor of a lost loved one, love, wisdom and the path of enlightenment. The meaning of cherry blossoms varies throughout western, Japanese, Buddhist and Chinese cultures.

The Japanese use the short life of a cherry blossom before it is scattered by the wind and rain to symbolize the cycle of life, and they use it as a reminder to celebrate beauty. The Buddhist consider the opening of a cherry blossom as a symbol of wisdom because it is like the mind blooming into enlightenment. They also consider the cherry blossom as a reminder to exist in the present moment before life fades away.