Tamagushi offerings are handed out by Shinto priest Paul de Leeuw
Last autumn on Oct. 1, a ceremony was carried out in the UK that was ground-breaking historically as well as literally. It involved the planting of trees under the auspices of a Shinto priest, the first of its type in Britain. The ceremony took place at a private school called Abbotsholme in Staffordshire and was conducted by Amsterdam-based Paul de Leeuw, who has featured elsewhere on these pages. The report below comes from the Uttoxter Advertiser, and the photos are courtesy of Mrs. Jenny Richardson, former teacher at the school.
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A TRADITIONAL tree planting ceremony was held at a Rocester school to remember Japanese pupils past and present. Past pupil Tsuyoshi Ogura, who now lives in Tokyo having retired from business, donated the plantation of Japanese cherry trees to Abbotsholme School.
Tree planting on the grounds of Abbotsholme School
Cherry Blossom, or sakura, is a beloved icon of Japan. The planting ceremony was conducted by Dutchman Dr Paul de Leeuw, the only Shinto Priest in Europe.
Between 150 and 200 invited guests and the school looked on as Dr Leeuw, dressed in robes, took the audience through the 13 stages of preparation, planting and thanks.
Guests included leader of Staffordshire County Council Philip Atkins and his wife Margaret, the Honorary Consul for Japan, from Manchester, Peter Heginbotham OBE and Mr Hirosuke Okada, the representative from Tamagawa Academy and University in Tokyo with which Abbotsholme has had links for many years.
Thin drizzle just before the ceremony commenced was followed by beautiful sunshine as 12 pupils from Abbotsholme, Mr Ogura and Mr Okada took part in symbolic displays of admiration for nature and the actual planting of the trees. At the end of the ceremony the new trees were toasted with sake (rice wine).
The guests then moved indoors to the school chapel. There they were treated to a recital by Aisa Ijiri, the Japanese pianist. She played a piece of music entitled Sakura (Cherry Blossom) which had been composed especially for her by Llywelyn ap Myrddin, and first performed in 2013.
Organiser Derek Sederman then read out messages of goodwill which came from MP Andrew Griffiths, the Japanese Embassy in London, the Vice Chancellor of the Tamagawa University and King Constantine of Greece.
Tea included much to eat but also tea made with cherry blossom petals brought from Japan especially by Aisa Ijiri.
As to the significance of cherry blossom, Paul de Leeuw put it this way: “Cherryblossom, or sakura, is a beloved icon of Japan. In spring time the branches are loaded with pink and white blossoms. Its beauty lasts only for a short while; sakura is compared with youth. It is a beauty that is fully enjoyed by all Japanese. By donating cherry saplings to their old school the Japanese alumni wish to create a living monument that expresses the mutual friendship between Japan and Britain. The sakura, or cherry blossom trees, are a splendid gift for the 125th anniversary of Abbotsholme School. Future generations will share happiness when they see the trees in full bloom.”
The school community watches the ritual. In the picture below student representatives receive the tamagushi (sakaki branch), and in the bottom picture Mr Ogura and the headmaster offer their tamagushi at the altar.
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