Celebrate Hanami in Oakland with APISA
April 2, 2024 •
Spring has arrived — and with it, cherry blossom season.
According to Erina Taneda of the Smithsonian Institute, “Cherry blossoms are a symbolic flower of the spring, a time of renewal, and the fleeting nature of life. Their life is very short. After their beauty peaks around two weeks, the blossoms start to fall. During this season in Japan, people like to have cherry blossom parties with colleagues, friends, and family… they enjoy eating, drinking, and barbecuing underneath the cherry blossoms. We call this custom Hanami. Hanami literally means ‘watching blossoms,’ and the tradition can be traced back at least a thousand years. We bring cooked meals, alcohol, snacks, and sweets, like a potluck party. Schools and offices hold welcome parties during hanami, a chance for people to bond and meet new friends.”
The UCOP Asian Pacific Islander Staff Association (APISA) will celebrate Hanami at UCOP Oakland throughout the days of April 9 and 10. Check out the cherry blossom display on the 5th floor of the Broadway building, outside the IT Service Desk, which is near the kitchen. The display will include giveaways from APISA.
APISA members also encourage staff to celebrate the spirit of Hanami by eating lunch together on the patio on April 9 and 10.
For questions, contact tony.yang@ucop.edu.
Tags: APISA, cherry blossom, oakland
