Plum Blossom Festival: Japan’s Early Spring Celebration
While Japan is famous for its cherry blossom festivals in April, fewer people know about the Plum Blossom Festival, known as "Baika-sai," which celebrates the arrival of spring even earlier. Held every year on February 25th at the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto, the Plum Blossom Festival offers a unique and quieter experience compared to the more widely recognized cherry blossom season.
The History and Significance of Baika-sai
Baika-sai, meaning "Plum Blossom Festival," has been celebrated for centuries in honor of Sugawara no Michizane, a scholar and politician who was deified as the Shinto god of learning. He had a deep love for plum blossoms, and legends say that when he was exiled, a plum tree miraculously followed him to his new home. As a result, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to him, hosts this festival each year.
One of the highlights of the festival is the tea ceremony performed by geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha), who serve tea to visitors in the shrine’s gardens surrounded by blooming plum trees. This offers a rare opportunity to witness Kyoto’s traditional culture in an intimate setting.
Plum Blossoms vs. Cherry Blossoms: Key Differences
Though both plum and cherry blossoms signal the arrival of spring in Japan, they have distinct characteristics:
While Japan is famous for its cherry blossom festivals in April, fewer people know about the Plum Blossom Festival, known as "Baika-sai," which celebrates the arrival of spring even earlier. Held every year on February 25th at the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto, the Plum Blossom Festival offers a unique and quieter experience compared to the more widely recognized cherry blossom season.
The History and Significance of Baika-sai
Baika-sai, meaning "Plum Blossom Festival," has been celebrated for centuries in honor of Sugawara no Michizane, a scholar and politician who was deified as the Shinto god of learning. He had a deep love for plum blossoms, and legends say that when he was exiled, a plum tree miraculously followed him to his new home. As a result, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to him, hosts this festival each year.
One of the highlights of the festival is the tea ceremony performed by geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha), who serve tea to visitors in the shrine’s gardens surrounded by blooming plum trees. This offers a rare opportunity to witness Kyoto’s traditional culture in an intimate setting.
Plum Blossoms vs. Cherry Blossoms: Key Differences
Though both plum and cherry blossoms signal the arrival of spring in Japan, they have distinct characteristics:
- Timing: Plum blossoms bloom earlier, typically from mid-February to early March, while cherry blossoms bloom later, usually from late March to April.
- Appearance: Plum blossoms tend to have rounded petals and appear fuller, while cherry blossoms have a slightly split petal tip, giving them a more delicate look.
- Fragrance: Plum blossoms emit a strong, sweet fragrance, unlike cherry blossoms, which have a much subtler scent.
- Symbolism: Plum blossoms symbolize perseverance and renewal since they bloom even in cold weather, while cherry blossoms represent the fleeting nature of life and beauty.
- Crowds: Plum blossom festivals are generally less crowded than cherry blossom festivals, offering a more tranquil and reflective experience.