The University of Otago is saying konnichiwa to spring with a traditional Japanese celebration.
The languages and cultures programme is hosting Hanami — a blossom-viewing party — tomorrow outside the clock tower.
In Japan, crowds gather in gardens to sit under cherry blossom trees (Prunus subgenus Cerasus) and celebrate.
Japanese senior teaching fellow Haruko Stuart began celebrating Hanami in Dunedin 13 years ago.
One day she decided to take her class outside and sit under the cherry blossom trees because it was warm outside and she thought her students would enjoy the moment.
“Nobody dislikes having a party under the beautiful trees.”
The Japanese tradition recognised how gracefully cherry trees blossomed and saw it as a metaphor for life.
The blossoming flowers only lasted for a short while, and it was worth stopping and admiring the beauty of it all, she said.
“You live gracefully and then you wither.
“It’s important to enjoy the transience and impermanence.”
Traditionally, everyone drank sake under the blossoming trees.
However, at tomorrow’s celebration
there will be free sushi instead.
If the weather is poor, the event will be postponed until Wednesday next week.