History of the National Cherry Blossom Festival

Are you planning to go to the National Cherry Blossom Festival? The Cherry Blossom Festival is held in Washington D.C. every year in March and April. It is a magnificent site to view the trees in full bloom. When you think of the Cherry Blossom Festival you probably also think of the coming spring. The lovely pink colors of the Cherry Blossoms are a sure sign of the warmer weather to come.

Have you every wondered how the Cherry Blossom Festival began? If you are curious then read on and I will tell you all about it.

In 1912 the mayor of Tokyo gave the trees to the city of Washington. This gift was given to show the friendship between the Americans and the people of Japan. What a lovely gift is was! The United States wanted to give something back to Japan. So, in 1915 the American government gave some lovely Dogwood trees to the city of Tokyo. Tokyo must have appreciated the gift because in 1965 they gave the U.S. nearly four thousand more Cherry Blossom Trees.

The Cherry Blossom trees are a gift that just keeps giving. In 1981 the Japanese were allowed to take cuttings off of the Cherry Blossoms they gave the United States. They took the cuttings in order to replace trees in Japan that were lost in a flood.

The Cherry Blossom Festival is as popular as ever. Over half a million people visit the festival every year. Many events take place at the National Cherry Blossom festival. If you visit you can take part in a marathon, watch a parade, try some yummy Sushi and Sake. If you like to shop you can find many specialty items and memorabilia at the event. Find out more about the events that will be at the festival this year on The official National Cherry Blossom Festival website.

If you have never gone to the festival you must attend at least once in your lifetime. This is an event that is not to be missed!