D.C.'s cherry blossom tree tradition turns 100

20.05.12

Washington, D.C.'s 100-year-old tradition of arboreal glory will hit peak bloom between and March 31.

That's the date the National Park Service has given for the annual cherry blossom display to be at its height.

This is a centennial year for the trees. The first set arrived in 1910 but had to be destroyed because of pests. The second set, 3,020 trees of various varieties, are planted around the White House and the Tidal Basin.

On March 27, 1912, two yoshino trees were planted in a small ceremony by first lady Helen Taft and the Japanese ambassador's wife, Viscountess Chinda. According to the Park Service, these originals still stand.

For the centennial year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival has produced a special poster by renowned artist Peter Max, a silver blossom necklace, black long-sleeved tee shirts decorated with the five different sorts of blossoms, and "Cherry Blossoms: The Official Book of the National Cherry Blossom Festival." Both Japan and the U.S. have created commemorative postal stamps.

Source: Charlotte Observer