Who Planted Cherry Trees in Washington DC

The Background of Cherry Blossom Festival

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual event that celebrates the beauty of spring and the relationship between the United States and Japan. The festival takes place in Washington DC and attracts millions of visitors every year. The cherry blossom trees are the main attraction and were a gift from Japan to the United States in 1912. But do you know who planted the cherry trees in Washington DC?

The Role of First Lady Helen Taft

The idea of planting cherry trees in Washington DC came from Eliza Scidmore, a travel writer and photographer who had lived in Japan. She had been impressed by the beauty of the cherry blossoms there and thought they would make a great addition to the landscape of Washington DC. She proposed her idea to the First Lady of the United States, Helen Taft, who was also interested in beautifying the city.

In 1909, Mrs. Taft attended a cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo and was given a bouquet of cherry blossoms by the wife of the Japanese ambassador. She was so impressed by the beauty of the flowers that she decided to bring them to Washington DC. After her return to the United States, Mrs. Taft began to make plans for planting cherry trees along the Potomac River.

The Donation from Japan

Mrs. Taft's plan received support from the mayor of Tokyo and the Japanese consul in New York. The Japanese consul, Yukio Ozaki, decided to donate cherry trees to the United States as a symbol of the friendship between the two countries. In 1910, the Japanese government sent 2,000 cherry trees to Washington DC.

Unfortunately, the trees were found to be infested with insects and had to be burned. The Japanese government apologized and sent another shipment of trees in 1912. This time, the trees were healthy and were planted around the Tidal Basin in Potomac Park.

The Planting Ceremony

The planting ceremony took place on March 27, 1912, with First Lady Helen Taft and Viscountess Chinda, the wife of the Japanese ambassador, in attendance. The two women planted the first two trees as a symbol of the friendship between the United States and Japan. Over the next few years, more cherry trees were planted in the park, including additional gifts from Japan.

The Legacy of Cherry Blossom Trees

The cherry blossom trees have become a symbol of spring in Washington DC and an enduring symbol of the friendship between the United States and Japan. Every year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place in the city, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world. The festival features cultural events, concerts, and other activities, but the main attraction is still the cherry blossoms in full bloom.

The cherry blossom trees also have a special meaning for the Japanese. The cherry blossom, or sakura, is a symbol of the transience of life in Japanese culture. The short-lived beauty of the blossoms reminds the Japanese to appreciate the fleeting moments of life and to live in the present.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cherry blossom trees in Washington DC were planted as a result of the efforts of Eliza Scidmore and First Lady Helen Taft. Their vision of a more beautiful and vibrant city led to the planting of the trees, which became a symbol of the friendship between the United States and Japan. Today, the cherry blossom trees are enjoyed by millions of visitors every year and continue to inspire people with their beauty and meaning.