The cherry blossom myth of the witch and I is a timeless tale that has been passed down through generations. This captivating story revolves around a young witch and her journey to find true love. The cherry blossom tree plays a central role in the myth. According to the myth, the witch was born with a rare power that allowed her to control the cherry blossom trees. She lived in a small village that was known for its beautiful cherry blossoms. However, the villagers feared her because they believed her powers were evil.
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The trees have been used as symbols for everything from predicting successful harvests of rice to giving the World War II kamikaze pilots courage for their one-way missions. On researching this information I came across a fascinating, but sobering, article tracing how the cherry blossom has been used in rituals and ceremonies over a 1000 year timeline.
However, the villagers feared her because they believed her powers were evil. Despite the fear and rejection she faced, the witch was determined to use her powers for good. She would spend long hours in the cherry blossom grove, nurturing the trees and ensuring they flourished.
The Magic, Mystery and Mythology of the Cherry
In keeping with our favourite fruit of the Eastern Free State I re-worked an article I wrote a few years ago that delves into magic, mystery, history and mythology of this succulent fruit and the enigmatic cherry tree - Bon Appetit!
Image: Cherry Chapstick Girls - emilycswanson.wordpress.com
In Japan , the ‘Sakura’, or cherry tree is representative of good fortune, new beginnings and revival. The short-lived blossoms are not only a symbol of beauty and innocent pleasures but also of the briefness of life which increases our appreciation of the short time we share together with loved ones.
The Hanami festival is held annually in Japan to celebrate the coming of the cherry blossom in Spring. Friends, family and loved ones congregate amongst the cherry trees to celebrate and reflect on their happy relationships together.
Eastern mythology gives the fruit of the cherry tree the status of containing the elixir of life which gives the gods their immortality. Chinese law believes that the phoenix slept on a bed of cherry blossoms to bless it with immortality and regeneration.
Buddhist stories claim that the cherry represents fertility and femininity. According to legend, the mother of Buddha was supported by a holy cherry tree as she gave birth. The symbol of the cherry fruit is said to bring good fortune and future happiness in the coming days.
On researching this information I came across a fascinating, but sobering, article tracing how the cherry blossom has been used in rituals and ceremonies over a 1000 year timeline. This is taken from the pbs.org blog site . Held above all other flowers by the rulers of Japan, Ohnuki-Tierney writes the cherry blossom or sakura has been a symbol of “the cycle of life, death and rebirth, on the one hand, and of productive and reproductive powers, on the other” throughout the history of Japan. The trees have been used as symbols for everything from predicting successful harvests of rice to giving the World War II kamikaze pilots courage for their one-way missions.
Hanami: Blossom Viewing Party.
Kitao Shigemasa (1739 – 1820)
AD 710-794: Ritual cherry blossom viewings begin and trees are transplanted to towns.
"Cherry blossoms are connected to Japanese folk religions,
a symbol of reproduction and new life"
During this period, the Japanese begin to transplant cherry trees from the mountains to areas where people lived. The cherry trees were connected to beliefs in Japanese folk religions; many Japanese would go into the mountains during the spring to worship the trees. The trees were seen as sacred since they were considered to carry the soul of the mountain gods down to humans.
Ohnuki-Tierney says that every spring, the mountain deity travelled down to the fields on the falling petals of cherry blossoms and transformed into the deity of the rice paddies, a critical crop for Japanese agriculture and productivity. Cherry blossom viewings, therefore, began from religious rituals.
While the Chinese prize the plum blossoms, the aristocracy of Japan raised the cherry blossom to a new status. The ritual of hanami — elaborate cherry blossom viewing ceremonies and celebrations with singing, dancing, and drinking — began at the imperial courts, practiced by elite classes, but commoners also celebrated in rural areas.
"Cherry blossoms are connected to Japanese folk religions,
It was during one of these visits that she met a young man. The young man, who happened to be a skilled painter, was captivated by the witch's beauty and the enchantment of the cherry blossoms surrounding her. They spent hours together, exchanging stories and admiring the beauty around them. As time went on, the young man fell deeply in love with the witch. However, their love was not without obstacles. The villagers, fueled by their fear of the witch, began spreading rumors and lies about her. They claimed that she used her powers to manipulate the cherry blossoms and bewitch innocent men. Despite the villagers' attempts to tear them apart, the young man remained faithful to the witch. He defended her name and championed her cause, even to the point of being exiled from the village. Together, they faced immense hardships but never lost hope. In a poignant twist of fate, the cherry blossom trees began to wither and die. The witch's power over them seemed to fade, leaving her heartbroken and confused. Determined to restore the trees and prove her love, the witch embarked on a dangerous journey to find a rare flower that could save them. As the witch traveled through treacherous forests and faced countless challenges, the young man followed close behind, providing unwavering support and encouragement. Their love acted as a shield against the forces that tried to keep them apart. In the end, the witch succeeded in finding the rare flower and used its magic to revive the cherry blossom trees. The village, witnessing this awe-inspiring act of love and devotion, realized the error of their ways. They welcomed the witch back with open arms and celebrated the beauty of the cherry blossoms once again. The cherry blossom myth of the witch and I teaches us the power of love and perseverance. It emphasizes the importance of looking beyond appearances and embracing the beauty in others, even when faced with fear and prejudice. The myth reminds us that true love can overcome any obstacle and that sometimes, it is the things we fear the most that hold the greatest beauty..
Reviews for "The Dark Side of the Cherry Blossom Myth: Unveiling the Witch's Shadow"
1. Jessica - 2 out of 5 stars - I found "The Cherry Blossom Myth of the Witch and I" to be quite disappointing. The story had potential, but the execution fell short. The characters lacked depth and their motivations felt forced. Additionally, the pacing was too slow for my liking, and I struggled to stay engaged throughout the book. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed by this novel.
2. Ryan - 3 out of 5 stars - While "The Cherry Blossom Myth of the Witch and I" had an interesting premise, I couldn't fully connect with the characters or the story. The writing style felt disjointed at times, making it difficult for me to become fully immersed in the world that was being created. Furthermore, the ending felt rushed and left some loose ends, leaving me unsatisfied. It had its moments, but overall, it didn't live up to my expectations.
3. Emily - 2 out of 5 stars - I struggled to enjoy "The Cherry Blossom Myth of the Witch and I". The plot was convoluted and difficult to follow, with too many unnecessary subplots that didn't add much to the overall story. The characters were also quite forgettable, making it hard for me to invest in their journey. The writing style was overly descriptive, weighing down the narrative and making it difficult to stay engaged. Overall, this book was not for me.