Pretty in Pink at Philadelphia’s Morris Arboretum’s Cherry Blossom Festival

“To see the cherry hung with snow.” — Alfred E. Housman
No explication necessary. Poet Housman here nailed it with the “hung with snow” phrase.

Story, photos by Sharon Kozden

Slowly but surely, “I’ve been turning Japanese, turning Japanese, I really think so.” This transmogrification began at least a decade ago, when one day I awoke, surveyed my surroundings and determined that the sheer volume of what my mother calls dust-catchers (read: tchotchkes) had to be jettisoned–stat. I set to divesting myself of most of these “objets d’junk.” Thus cleansed, I felt a profound sense of freedom in being unencumbered by things.

While I am fast becoming the consummate minimalist, and while Japanese culture in many ways can be spare and pared to necessities only, I certainly didn’t expect such paucity from Morris Arboretum at the University of Pennsylvania‘s Cherry Blossom Festival on April 14th. The words festival and minimalism don’t exactly marry well.

Originally, two separate shows with events divided between the days had to be combined into a single day (the 14th) because of – you guessed it – the weather, namely a rainy downpour. The festival began at 10 a.m. and ran until 3 p.m.

I arrived early in the hopes of attending all two days’ worth of events but, as often is the case, best laid plans can go awry. Still, I managed to check out at least four scheduled activities including the Cherry Walk, Kyo Daiko Drumming Crew, Kimono Dressing Demonstration and Samurai Arts Group. I missed the Origami Workshop and Japanese Garden Elements Tour.

Beginning with the Cherry Walk at 10:15 a.m., we participants met our guide at the Arboretum’s Garden Rail entrance and were treated to a delightful walk with views of a multitude of trees bursting with ample and generous blossoms. Additionally, our intrepid walk leader was exceptionally informative, able to answer all of the inquisitive participants many questions. Okay: maybe one stumped her, but there’s always one in every crowd. It was a perfect day with nearly all trees “in the peak” of bloom.

I parted from my walk compadres to follow the sound of drumming and was led to The Kyo Daiko Drumming Crew, whose members were decked out in colorful costumes. They entertained the burgeoning crowd, seated casually in the grass while appreciating the technique, energy and synchronicity involved.

Next on my agenda (and where I tended to linger the longest) was the Kimono Dressing Demonstration inside the upper gallery. Fumiyo Batta, who was the “Cultural Ambassador” for the Subaru-sponsored Cherry Blossom Festival was in her element. Ms. Batta shared with an attentive audience her extensive knowledge of the history of what is traditional Japanese attire. Audience members were chosen to participate as Ms. Batta demonstrated just how a kimono is worn by dressing women, children and even a man in beautiful fabrics swathed and wrapped to perfection.

The Samurai Arts Group was my final stop, and it was the perfect way to end my festival visit. No winding down here. The Arboretum’s Two Lines Sculpture intersected with the River of Life Martial Arts & Wellness Center. Again, audience member participation effectively illustrated Kenjutsu, an ancient technique where swords were used in battle. As many other martial arts’ programs, the old style has been modified in ways that adapt to current times. Less about battlement, today’s application is geared more toward Zen balance in the face of life stressors and personal fears. It reminded me of meditation translated into the physical; the challenge of finding serenity and greeting what life throws one’s way with equanimity based on the principles repurposed from the past.

I tried my hand by volunteering as a participant in both the kimono dressing as well as the Kenjutsu performance. The biggest “sword” I’ve ever held had to have been a butter- or steak knife. That said, I had fun hamming it up. I was even dressed in event-appropriate (and may I add stylin’) “jammies” that my peripatetic brother had gifted me from one of his trips–to Vietnam, I believe.

Come day’s end, I was zero for two: Ms. Batta chided me for having stepped onto the fabric with — zut alots! — shoes, after which I gamely displayed my lack of strength on the “battlefield” with the swordsman. All in a photojournalist’s day’s work on a beautiful springtime day surrounded by natural beauty in extremis.

Identifying flag welcomes visitors to the University of Pennsylvania’s Morris Arboretum’s Visitor Center.

Inside find a gift shop and much, much more.

Asian rice hats on two young boys. I like the photo’s composition with the juxtaposition of one hat off, the other on.

Looks as if someone doesn’t want to deal with potential hat head.

“About the Morris Arboretum grounds we will go to see the cherry trees hung with snow.” With apologies to the poet, but it had to be stated so.

I’m weeping, too. Were I this tree, I’d be weeping at the sight of breathtaking beauty.

Cherry Walk’s personable guides informs and educates and takes questions from a highly curious group.

We stayed close to our guide, who was so informative and knowledgeable that one could hear a petal drop when she spoke.

This is what listening, truly listening looks like. Also, this woman makes for an interesting photographic subject.

Morris Arboretum knows how to treat with TLC a gentle giant. This growing cherry tree towers!

Trees are tagged in this fashion. Even without a guide, tree admirers can view as well as learn.

Buds and full-on blossoms are hardy rather than more delicate. Too bad they’re not edible, as I can’t imagine light bites served in a more adorable caress.

I hope these two were showered with petals and blossoms on their special day.

Fumiyo Batta (Left) and assistant demonstrate the Japanese art of kimono dressing.

Young ladies in waiting … waiting for the demonstration’s audience participation portion, where kimonos will be donned and modeled.

Mrs. Batta’s volunteer pupil is all smiles over her new look.

A young man being fitted in a Japanese kimono appears ready to take flight.

Beautiful outcome on obviously pleased participant.

Sharon Kozden wears Vietnamese jammies for men, gifted by her peripatetic brother. Bare feet courtesy of scolding by Mrs. Batta. Must brush up on Japanese proper cultural ways.

Petal texture’s softness makes me want to fall into a bed of these palest of pink lovelies.

Charming cherry blossom-themed card noticed in gift shop.

Kyo Daiko Drumming Crew just wants to bang on their drums all day.

On a perfect springtime day, an energetic Kyo Daiko Drumming Crew does the polar opposite of banging the drums slowly.

More unique cherry blossoms delight and intrigue the senses of smell, sight and touch.

Meet Tai-haku, a Japanese Flowering Cherry.

The bark striations of a cherry tree are known as “horizontal lenticels.”

Samurai Arts Group member instructs audience volunteer in the how-to of yet another Japanese cultural activity, heavy on the physicality and technique.

Sharon Kozden, a.k.a. “Jammie Girl” tries to prove her might, while I’m sure all three group members are laughing internally at a lack of upper body strength.

Love is in the air always in springtime. A sweetly embracing couple watches intently the Samurai Arts Group.

This beautiful cherry-blossomed rice paper parasol is so delicate and pretty. It won’t do a thing SPF protection-wise, but it’s a conversation-piece for certain.

Here’s another group of happy flower people. What–no pretty pink parasols for the dudes?

This close-up blossom grouping is a fitting final snap from a glorious day filled with Ma Nature’s exquisite showing her stuff. She has it, she flaunts it, as well she should.