Question 1: The National Cherry Blossom Festival is celebrated in …
- Washington, DC
- New York City
- San Francisco
Answer: Washington, DC
Fact: The National Cherry Blossom Festival, held each year in Washington, DC, commemorates the 1912 gift of cherry trees from Japan. The event includes parades, vibrant performances, and breathtaking floral displays around the Tidal Basin. This year’s festivities will feature traditional Japanese drumming (taiko), cultural dance showcases, J-Pop concerts, and martial arts demonstrations.
Question 2: Which country has the cherry blossom tree (sakura) as its national tree?
- South Korea
- China
- Japan
Answer: Japan
Fact: The sakura, or cherry blossom tree, is Japan’s national tree and a powerful cultural symbol representing beauty, renewal, and the transience of life. Each spring, people take part in hanami (flower viewing), gathering beneath the blooming cherry trees in a tradition that is deeply embedded in Japanese culture.
Question 3: Which president accepted the trees from Japan in 1912?
- William McKinley
- William Howard Taft
- Woodrow Wilson
Answer: William Howard Taft
Fact: First Lady Helen Taft persuaded the president to accept the gift, viewing the cherry trees as an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic ties with Japan. However, the president faced a difficult dilemma when the first shipment of trees was found to be infested with harmful insects that posed a threat to U.S. ecosystems. With no other option, Taft ordered the destruction of the trees by burning them, risking offense to the Japanese. Fortunately, Japan responded with understanding and sent a second shipment of younger trees, carefully cultivated and shipped with added precautions. These trees were successfully planted and flourished.