Lesson 24 Hanami
Topic Question: Can you explain the Japanese tradition of hanami?
No. 1: Initial Response. First, try answering the question yourself.
The instructor will provide advice on vocabulary, grammar, and expression corrections.
Sample Answer – Let’s read aloud – The instructor will check your pronunciation and accent.
Hanami, or “flower viewing,” is a cherished Japanese tradition that celebrates the beauty of cherry blossoms (sakura) and sometimes plum blossoms (ume). This event occurs in spring, typically between March and May, depending on the region. Families, friends, and coworkers gather in parks, gardens, and along riverbanks, where they enjoy picnics under the blossoming trees. The tradition is not just about admiring the beauty of the flowers but also reflects deep cultural meanings tied to the transient nature of life, as the blossoms briefly bloom and then quickly fade. Besides enjoying the scenic beauty, participants often partake in food, drinks, songs, and sometimes even karaoke, making hanami a highly anticipated social event in Japan.
No. 2: Vocabulary Enhancement－ 5 Words to Learn and Their Meanings –
Pronounce the Words Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Words Instantly
- Cherry blossoms (桜, sakura): The flowers of the cherry blossom tree, symbolizing the fleeting nature of life in Japanese culture.
“The cherry blossoms in full bloom create a breathtakingly beautiful canopy of pink and white.”
- Transient (儚い, hakanai): Lasting only for a short time; temporary.
“The transient beauty of the cherry blossoms reminds us to cherish each moment.”
- Picnic (ピクニック, pikunikku): A meal taken outdoors as part of an excursion in pleasant surroundings.
“We had a delightful picnic under the cherry blossom trees, enjoying the scenic view.”
- Anticipated (期待される, kitai sareru): Expected or predicted.
“The annual hanami season is highly anticipated by everyone in the community.”
- Cultural (文化的な, bunkatekina): Pertaining to the ideas, customs, and social behavior of a society.
“Hanami is a cultural event that brings people together to appreciate the beauty of nature.”
No. 3: Key Idiom and Example Sentences
“Make hay while the sun shines” (好機を逃すな) – The idiom means to make the best use of an opportunity while it lasts.
“Just like we enjoy hanami during the short cherry blossom season, we should ‘make hay while the sun shines’ and seize good opportunities in life.”
“Given the brief blooming period, hanami teaches us to ‘make hay while the sun shines,’ appreciating beauty and opportunities in the present moment.”
No. 4: Discussion and Exchange of Opinions on the Sample Answer
Instructor: Considering the emphasis on the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms in hanami, how do you think this tradition influences the Japanese outlook on life and nature?
Student: [Opinions of students]
No. 5: Free Discussion on the Topic
Let’s delve into the broader implications of cultural traditions like hanami. How do such traditions contribute to societal values and community spirit? Can you think of any traditions in your own culture that similarly celebrate natural beauty or the passage of seasons? How do they compare to hanami in terms of practices and underlying philosophies?
