Wabi- Sabi

Wabi-sabi is a Japanese term that typifies the essence of Japanese culture. It is something which is hard to explain and is better experienced.
Wabi-sabi conveys the Japanese aesthetic sense. It signifies something which is not perfect but more intrinsic with nature. This is a concept by which I am fascinated by. It symbolizes simplicity, ascetism, modesty and a way of life more attuned to nature.
Wabi means "being remote" and "sabi" means "lean". Together, it means "beauty of imperfection". It is a concept of aesthetics that deviates from the typical Greco- Roman aesthetic ideal of symmetry. It has more to do with simplicity rather than outward perfection or flashiness. I think that this concept is shown in every aspect of Japanese culture like the flower arrangement (ikebana), tea ceremony (sado), bonsai etc. For example, if you look at a bonsai plant, at first glance, it would not stand out because it might seem insignificant. But then it commands your glance and then when you look again, you understand the nuances and it makes you want to look again and again. And then you begin to notice minute details and you are drawn in more and more into that world. The basic concept is based on Zen buddhism, on the impermanence of things. It supposes that
All things are impermanent
All things are imperfect
All things are incomplete

Cherry blossoms- A cultural icon

Considering how Japanese culture has been influenced by seasons, it is not surprising that cherry blossoms, the ubiquitous symbol of Japanese spring, holds an important place. The blossoming of these pleasing pink flowers is tracked closely by news and radio networks, as it starts from the warmer southern regions to the north of Japan during the months of March and April.
I remember how during my tea ceremony classes, Sensei used to serve Sakura- mochi which is a type of wagashi (Japanese sweet). It is a pink mochi (rice cake) with red bean paste and wrapped in a sakura leaf. Sakura means cherry blossoms in Japanese.