By far the most recognizable of Japan¡¯s natural phenomena is the cherry blossom. And why not: Who can resist the cotton candy plumes of the pink-white flower? More than anything, blossom season is a time to celebrate. Spring means warmth and evening yozakura parties with drinks and snacks aplenty. What¡¯s not to like?
Autumn leaves, on the other hand, aren¡¯t as famous. The word ¡±²õ²¹°ì³Ü°ù²¹¡± (cherry blossom) is used as a first name, it¡¯s that desirable; conversely, momiji (autumn leaves) is the name of a witch in a Muromachi Period (1392-1573) play. You begin to get the picture.
That said, momiji (also known as °ì¨²â¨), are not exactly reviled. Back in the Heian Period (794-1185), when hanami (flower viewing) was lord and master, both ume (plum) and cherry trees were planted within the grounds of the courts and noblemen¡¯s mansions, making hanami a relatively passive activity. Going to see autumn leaves was still a done thing, but was more of an excursion; the activity was, and still is, called momijigari (hunting for autumn leaves).
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