Honor Brooklyn Cherry Festival

Senate Resolution No. 3100 BY: Senator PARKER COMMENDING the Brooklyn Botanical Garden upon the occasion of hosting its Annual Sakura Matsuri Festival WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in the communities across New York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the Brooklyn Botanical Garden upon the occasion of hosting its Annual Sakura Matsuri Festival on April 25-26, 2020; and WHEREAS, For nearly 40 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 more than 200 cherry trees on display and open 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 monthlong cherry blossom viewing festival called Hanami which 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 this auspicious event and its contributions to the culture and 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 so 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.