Sakura Cherry Rose White

For centuries, the Japanese have had a love affair with Cherry Blossoms, known in Japan as Sakura. The tiny flowers bloom and blossom in the spring, filling the branches of trees and gently falling to the ground as the wind rustles the branches. Images of Sakura can be found everywhere in Japan - they are to the Japanese what Apple Pie is to Americans.

Sakura found its prominent place in the spiritual identity of Japan during the Heian period, 794- 1185 AD. The rulers and holy people of the time drew much inspiration from Chinese culture, in particular Buddhism and Confucianism, with great importance placed on peaceful meditation. For them, nothing exemplified this ideal more than sitting beneath the boughs of a Sakura tree contemplating existence.

Stemming from the practice, the literary tradition of Haiku blossomed, no pun intended. As such, many of the most enduring works of the Heian were written about Sakura trees. One of the more popular writers of the age was a monk named Saigyo. His poems, while simple are considered as beautiful as the blossoms themselves.

The petals were held in such regard that Saigyo even had this to say:

Wishing to die under cherry blossoms in spring,

Cherry blossom season in full moon time.

He really loved those blossoms. In the meditative spirit of Sakura, we’ve developed a soothing white tea blend that we believe is poetry itself. Light but full bodied, the cup offers delicate rose notes and sweetly astringent cherry notes. A fabulous tea for relaxing an afternoon away.