Thursday, April 8, 2010

PFF - Cherry Blossom Time



The cherry trees in Washington, D.C. were a friendship gift from Japan. Japan gave the city of Washington 3,000 cherry trees in 1912. The U.S. reciprocated with a gift of flowering dogwood trees given to Japan in 1915. Additional cherry trees were given to the U.S. in 1965.

The cherry trees grow in several locations: around the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park, in East Potomac Park (Hains Point), and on the Washington Monument grounds. The cherry trees flower in the spring and are a popular tourist attraction. This year the blooming period was March 27 - April 5. The 2010 dates of the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival are March 27 - April 11.

This postcard shows the cherry trees in bloom. A Japanese lantern used in cherry blossom ceremonies is in the foreground, and the Washington Monument is in the background. Similar cartoon "tourists" also appeared on postcard views from other areas of the United States.



12 comments:

  1. So beautiful! I also have a cherry blossom post on my blog. Happy PFF!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I loved these on our visit to Washington, they greet visitors with splendor.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Cherry blossoms are so gorgeous. :) I wish they grew here! Happy PFF!

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a amazing sight that must be. There a two young cherrys on the tree lined road near me, I always get excited when they start to bud, I'd probably hyperventilate in Washington, LOL.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Beautiful cherry trees. Have a great weekend.
    Judy

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lovely! Cherry blossoms are so beautiful and fall like pale pink snow. Thank you for your comment about the Canteen! I'll see if I can find that DVD. If it doesn't come up on a quick search I'll check with the production company.

    ReplyDelete
  7. interesting cartoon figures superimposed on the scene, kind of 1950s in their style...

    ReplyDelete
  8. I agree with Linda :D
    I love cherry blossoms but they don't grow here. When I went to Japan I was disappointed because they weren't in bloom when I came. Ahh, at least for now, I will have to make do with the postcards :D

    ReplyDelete
  9. Cherry Blossoms and Washington D.C. both are great, and the combination even better. Happy PFF and greetings from Amsterdam.

    ReplyDelete
  10. The season must be coming to a close now. What a wonderful sight it must have been! Ours is all in bloom now. It's so cheering, especially after a long winter.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Lovely picture. My Bajan cherry tree is in bloom too since April 1 and it is beautiful with pink flowers now the red cherries are ready for the picking. I have posted pictures on my poetrynest blog. No cherries on your beautiful cherry trees in Washington I suppose.

    ReplyDelete
  12. it's cherry blossom season in rome, italy too...this year they seem even more spectacular! happy (belated) PFF!

    ReplyDelete