alomost Full Moon

It's going to be a full moon on Apr. 18. I love the moon cycle. When it is the day of the new moon, we make wishes and while the moon is waxing, we picture our wishes are coming true.
When it is the full moon, this is the day when we release unnecessary thoughts, emotions and old patterns which don't work any more. When the moon is waning, it's good for diet, beauty and so on.
There are many books which tell us how to use the moon cycle.

Japanese had used the lunar calender until 1872. We had the seclusion policy until 1868 and under this policy, only China, Korea and Dutch were allowed to come to Japan. However, in 1853, the Americana Commodore, Perry came to Japan and there was a big change.
I abbreviate it here.
Anyway, we opened our society to foreign couturiers and Western culture were flooded into Japan.
And the Samurai Society ended.

The solar calender was one of them which came to Japan at that time. According to the new solar calender, the new government proclaimed the day of Dec. 3rd, 1875 became Jan. 1st, 1876.
A- month difference is big!! The agricultural society still conduct seeding, harvesting and so on based on the lunar calender. Our traditional Japaneses calender has 2 dates of the solar and lunar calenders.

The solar cycle is new to our DNA. I prefer living with the moon cycle to the solar cycle. We celebrate events like New Year twice by the 2 cycles. More and more of us realize how easier to live with the moon cycle than with solar cycle and like to go back to old times.

Especially after this disasters, we look back to old days and learn how old people lived. Some devastated areas can't get water, gas and light yet. People there have to go to river to get water and gather and cut wood for fuel. They started to grow food by themselves.

Even in other areas which haven't damaged, we start to think how to manage by ourselves because we may not have enough electrical power this summer. The planned blackout was canceled now but it may start again anytime in the future. I believe we'll abandon the nuclear power. There were and will be demonstrations against the nuclear power in Japan. As many notice, we are very peaceful citizens and there haven't be demonstrations like this for many years. They are not wild type of demos and they are more like Peace Walk.

It is a bit off topic of today. Anyway, I like to say we can find out good merits in old life patterns.

Sakura near my home

Cherry blossoms, Sakura near my home are also very beautiful. Cherry-blossoms tunnel!

Cherry blossom last only for 2 weeks so they are ending soon. Before ending, the scenes of blossoms rain, blossoms carpet, blossoms everywhere are very dreamy, which is my most favorite moment.

  

The love for cherry blossoms are deeply rooted in our DNA. Many poets have composed poems related cherry blossoms since ancient period.

And cherry blossoms end without hesitation which matched the Samurai Spirit. Samurai, warrior always prepared for dying at the battle fields without hesitation.

We enjoy all the process of cherry blossoms, Sakura from beginning to ending. After the blossoms are gone, we still enjoy its leaves called Hazakura, Leave Blossoms.

After Sakura, many beautiful flowers like azaleas, irises and hydrangeas start to bloom. Beautiful season has come!

Hanami in Kamakura

I went to Hanami, cherry-blossoms viewing in Japanese, in Kamakura last weekend. The weather was nice and cherry blossoms were in full bloom.
Kamakura is 57km(36mil) southwest of Tokyo and the first Shogunate site. The first Shogun, generalissimo, opened his government in Kamakura in 1192 while Emperor was still in Kyoto.
We had 2 tops but the absolute power was possessed by the Shogun.


 

Dankazura, one-step higher street



 

 

In Kamakura, we must visit Hachimangu Shrine, which was the Shogun's family shrine. There was one-step higher street called `Dankazura' on the way to the shrine. Long time ago, this area was swamp and the first Shogun, Yoritomo Minamoto, made this street for his pregnant wife in prayer for her easy delivery.

Along this street, cherry blossoms are planted. People enjoy walking and viewing at the same time.

It was my dream to walk this cherry blossoms tunnel. I usually travel outside of Tokyo with my tourists or although I visit here, I don't have time to walk with them. So this year, finally my dream came true!!

the other end of the street and Torii, shrine gate



sugar-coated strawberry



old ginkgo trees and main edifice of shrine

This part is one of the highlights of this shine. You see two old ginkgo trees on the left side. It was originally one ginkgo tree. You see the picture below.



1000 year-old ginkgo tree

 

 

 

This old ginkgo tree was toppled down on Mar. 10, 2010 due to heavy rain and wind. It was a shocking news at that time because we love that tree very much. When the tree was replanted, 1000 people assembled here to pray for its rebirth with Shinto priests.

 

 

 

Thanks to their prayer, the trees have green again! The photo was taken on May 2010. I was very happy and excited to see them.
Exactly a year later, we had earthquakes. What a coincidence! Like this ginkgo tree, after receiving lots of prayers, I hope Japan will be reborn too!




peonies and cherry blossoms



There is a peony garden we have to pay for. Peonies are also at full bloom. It was worth paying.

cherry-blossoms' reflection in the pond

 



my little sister and me

We enjoyed Hanami and delicious lunch after this. While cherry blossom are blooming, I'll wander about.




the best photo of the day, I believe