Senate Resolution No. 1210

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING the Brooklyn Botanical Garden upon the
occasion of hosting its Annual Sakura Matsuri
Festival

WHEREAS, For 36 years the Brooklyn Botanical Garden has been
celebrating traditional and contemporary Japanese culture with their
Sakura Matsuri Festival, also known as the Cherry Blossom Festival; and

WHEREAS, This popular festival brings over 60 events and
performances together for two days to celebrate spring and the end of
Hanami, the Japanese cultural tradition of enjoying the cherry blossom
season; and

WHEREAS, In Japanese tradition, cherry blossoms are often associated
with mortality and the graceful and readily acceptance of destiny and
karma; they are used often in Japanese art, music, clothing and other
Japanese goods; during war time, they were a symbol of nationalism and
inspiration; and

WHEREAS, Today, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden has over 200 cherry
trees that are opened to visitors; the first of these trees were gifts
from the Japanese government and were planted after World War I; each
spring the Brooklyn Botanical Garden hosts a month long cherry blossom
viewing festival called Hanami where it is ended by the celebration
Sakura Matsuri; and

WHEREAS, Every year the Sakura Matsuri is visited by thousands of
people of all different cultures; they experience music, tea ceremonies,
art, shopping, games, and the much anticipated Sakura Matsuri Cosplay
Fashion Show; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of the Sakura Matsuri Festival and the
culture and important contribution to the heritage of the State of New
York, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to join in commending
the Brooklyn Botanical Garden on another Sakura Matsuri Festival that
present and future generations may come to appreciate the significance
in which their history plays in the progression of our State and
Nation's evolution; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Brooklyn Botanical Garden upon the occasion of hosting its
Annual Sakura Matsuri Festival, and for their continued efforts in
bringing Japanese culture and beauty to the State of New York; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden.