tis the season to be jolly

how can one gorgeous little flower symbolise so much to a whole nation? it's sakura time which means the cherry blossoms are out in full force.  the trees in bloom scream 'spring'; an end to the chilly days. they also mark the start of a new school year and the beginning of the new financial year. but most importantly, cherry blossom time means hanami. hanami is a sakura viewing party, which means you gather as many friends and family as you can, prepare or buy as much food and sake as you can, spread everything out on mats under the trees then eat, drink and get as merry as you possibly can. its all very fun really. most party goers begin the day/night oooohhing and aaaahhing in awe of the sakura's beauty, as the festivites liven up the pretty petals drift to the background and the odd glance is enough to  spur on the spring fever.