Some things never change. One hundred years later, the cherry blossom trees along the Tidal Basin in Washington D.C. continue to attract visitors and their cameras to the colorful springtime festival.
While there have been major advances in technology over the past century, photographers' desire to capture the fleeting flowers never fades. There is something very endearing about the ability of these delicate blossoms to draw a million visitors and their cameras each spring.
The Associated Press explains the history of the trees:
It was 100 years ago this month when first lady Helen Taft and the Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese Ambassador, planted two Yoshino cherry trees on the bank of Washington's Tidal Basin. They were the first of 3,000 planted as part of a gift from the city of Tokyo as a symbol of friendship. The original pair still stands, along with about 100 of the original trees transported from Japan. It's a tradition that almost didn't happen. In 1910, a first gift of 2,000 trees was shipped from Japan to Washington. But agriculture officials discovered the trees were infested with insects and diseased, and they were burned. Diplomats wrote letters of regret to officials in Tokyo. Two years later, they tried again with a shipment of 3,000 trees that made it to Washington in good condition. Read the full story.
The peak bloom dates - when about 70% of the trees are blooming - was predicted to fall between March 20-23. The early spring coaxed the flowers to come out earlier than usual, though the trees will continue to bloom through April.
Related links:
- Washington, D.C., celebrates 100 years of friendship, cherry blossoms
- Centennial Cherry Blossom Festival offers myriad of activity
- Slideshow: Spring is in the air!
