The cherry blossoms of Washington DC were given to America as a gift from Japan as a sign of friendship. This historic gesture of friendship renewed the value of these ephemeral and fragile flowers, originating from the ancient Japanese custom of Hanami, which transcended history and the world, to ultimately represent the meaning of international relations in the world. we hear the “cherry blossoms” of the word; an image of beautiful, delicate pink flowers blooming on a cherry tree comes to mind. These fragile flowers have deep traditional and cultural value around the world. Especially throughout Asia, and more particularly in Japan. Their ancient custom of Hanami, or flower viewing, dates back to Japan's Nara period (710-794 AD). Originally, apricot blossoms, or Ume, were the favorite flower of Sakura, cherry blossoms, which came from the vast influence China had over Japan at the time (Conan 253). However, during the Heian period (794-1192 AD), Japan gradually gained cultural independence and eventually broke away from Chinese influences. Likewise, the preference for cherry blossoms grew, until Sakura became synonymous with Hanami (253). By the middle of the Heian era, the word Hana or "flower" was almost always automatically associated with Sakura. The practice of Hanami was thought to have originally been a court custom; also known as "Hana-no-En" or "flower banquet", during which grand parties and picnics with sake and "rice wine" were held under these beautiful flowers. Initially, it was used as a source of pleasure and was reserved only for nobles ("Bite Japan"). However, it was also theorized, well before the Nara period, ...... middle of article ......judoinfo.com/kdk.htm>.Okugawa, Rieko. “VJ-Day, seen through Japanese eyes.” Christian Science Monitor91.180 (August 12, 1999): p22. Internet. May 16, 2011. .Sleeboom, Margaret. “Kamikaze, cherry blossoms and nationalism.” (2002): 1. Web. May 10, 2011. Tierney, Emiko Ohnuki. Kamikaze, cherry blossoms and nationalism. The militarization of aesthetics in Japanese history. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2002. 122-124. Print.United States. Cherry Blossom Festival-HISTORY OF CHERRY TREES. , 2011.Web. April 7, 2011. (“Cherry Blossom Festival-HISTORY OF CHERRY TREES" 1-8)