Candace Flowers
With spring upon us, I have enjoyed seeing the many cherry blossom trees that have been in bloom! Recently, there was a segment on NHK spotlighting Hanami, which translates to “flower viewing” and is typically observed in the springtime. This simple custom of having a picnic while appreciating the beauty of nature has remained a tradition for centuries.
In Japan, Hanami is a major festival lasting for a couple of weeks while the flowers are in bloom. At many of the parks and along riverbanks where the trees are plentiful, people come ready to socialize and eat their bentos under the beautiful blossoms.
Food vendors come to sell various foods like the popular treat hanami dango. Hanami dango is sweet, chewy and resembles the colors of springtime! But is the beauty just in the sakura blossoms?
When I think about the trees that continue to bloom year after year and the people who flock to view them year after year, I find that there is also beauty in the traditions we keep.
For example, when we observe the Day of Remembrance every February, we are taking part in a tradition to honor and remember those who were interned and the history that we hope will never be repeated.
We recognize and appreciate the many Japanese Americans who persevered and fought for their rights, as well as the rights of future generations.
Holding on to these traditions is the reason that stories continue to be passed down, monuments and museums have been built and our JACL chapters remain holding activities that inspire our youth to become involved.
This is the beauty that comes from years and seasons of traditions. Through it all, the Pacific Citizen newspaper has been a vital part in sharing so many of these stories and events, as well as reporting up-to-date information to keep us informed about our civil rights.
I enjoy reading the articles in the P.C. and feel that there is even tradition in having access to the same paper that my grandparents used to read years ago.
Much like a cherry blossom tree, the Pacific Citizen has strong roots that continue to grow and reach Japanese American communities across the nation.
As we look to the future, we are just a few short years away from the Pacific Citizen’s 100th birthdate! If you would like to contribute to the P.C. and help sustain its operations so that it can reach and surpass its milestone, please visit www.pacificcitizen.org or fill out the coupon below.
Your contribution will help allow this revered national newspaper to continue to provide you with stories and information that are vital to you and those you care about. Let’s continue to grow the P.C. and our communities together!
