ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN

ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN

Rokko Island Cherry Jam

Every year a variety of cherry tree specifically engineered to produce gorgeous blossoms, called the Somei Yoshino, blooms up and down the islands of Japan. The trees first bloom in the south and as the islands warm up in spring, a kind of 'front' is formed as the trees continue blossoming up the islands: the Sakura Zensen. The trees are in full blossom for about a week, and then the petals fall; sometimes in a blizzard, if a gust of wind should shake the tree; sometimes in an idle fall. While in blossom it is a tradition to enjoy the brief 'life' of the cherry tree in bloom by having a picnic under the trees called 'Hanami' (literally : flower viewing). Drinking sake, and eating hanami bento (packed boxed lunch), is part of the tradition. As the life of the tree - symbolized in its blossoming - is short but glorious, and the tree loses its petals without shame or regret, the time is a time to reflect on the transience of life, and make a promise to enjoy life to the full, live a life that will be remembered as well lived! The Japanese way: making it a tradition to stop and, 'observe the flowers.'

After the trees have blossomed, the leaves dress the tree with their bright green foliage. However some trees also bear fruit. Small, like a choke cherry, but heavily laden, they add to the beauty and life of the tree. I couldn't help but try eating them. They were mostly seed but the fruit was delicious! Japanese walking by seeing me picking the fruit wondered if it was possible to eat - I would offer a cherry, but they would decline aghast at the impertinence!

But just look at these treasures,

juicy jewels that if left untouched, just fall and litter, and stain the sidewalk, and stain the shoes. I decided to remedy the situation by making it my duty to harvest as many as possible. My mother used to make (can) jams and jellies. Our family had grown up with home made preserves, tastes of summer we could eat through the dark days of winter. Jars of fruit and jam was found in the downstairs 'root celler' when local fruit was well out of season, and imported fruit too dear.