Saisei - Tribute to Japan's Rebirth

SAISEI (REBIRTH) Even the darkest night ends in the warm glow of the sun The coldest winter is followed by the renewal of spring From the darkness comes “saisei” – rebirth

In the cold of winter trees hold onto life as nature has stripped the trees bare.

There are times we’re also left by nature only able to hold on as we work toward rebirth.

At first the change comes slowly . . .

In any recovery there are those that refuse to wait and push against the darkness leading the way for others to follow.

SLOWLY LIFE WILL RETURN …working together after all is lost; holding onto life while growing toward the sun.

Flowers opening – the first blush of color

More join in leaving the darkness behind, building for future life.

There is no darkness that light cannot conquer.

Working together there is renewal.

Time passes and new life springs forth from the darkness bringing new beauty.

From the dankness rebirth . . . . Saisei.

The welcoming of cherry blossoms (sakura) has been a part of life in Japan for almost two thousand years. It’s part of an understanding of life, change, and renewal that permeates the society.

Like all life on Earth, the blooms will only be around for a short period of time.

Everyone comes out to share this time together, taking photographs of each other, joining together under the trees to talk, sing, and picnic in the shadow of this new life.

Embracing the coming of new life Finding the time to join with friends

The pace of life is busy and often hard but this is the time of renewal This is a time to see the beauty in life This is a time to grow together

Like the cherry blossom life is fragile and at the same time beautiful.

Our life is but a monument in time.

Like the cherry blossom coming back from the coldest winter, life is reborn anew and in time the beauty restored.

CHALLENGE OF TODAY

This year Japan saw the coming of sakura and rebirth. Nature had other plans. On 03.11.11 the 9.0 earthquake and the following tsunami changed Japan forever. The people and nation struggle move from the darkness caused by this disaster.

The support of the world is needed to help the people of Japan. A collection of agencies helping Japan can be found by clicking on the following link - Japan Earthquake – How to Help.

Pictures from: Zushi and Hayama, Japan Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan