When I think about Bamboo

I read an article regarding “Bamboo” last night.
Since ancient history , Bamboo and Hemp have been very familiar to Japanese people.

However,  hemp plant has been illegal since 1948. 
It is say that it is the order of the General Headquarters (GHQ) after the unconditional surrender in the World War II.

In the result, all hemp plants were pulled out at all. (In fact, I haven't seen any hemp plants in my life.)  
Hemp was considered as becoming Marijuana, addictive and dangerous drug. (official excuse)
Even now most Japanese must have the negative impression of Hemp.

But I think the reason was mostly about profit(for big companies) and politics.)


Anyway Hemp was gone, and bamboo survived and used our everyday lives.
You can find Bamboo groves everywhere.


Basically Bamboo is a very strong, also grown up soon and easy.

One thing I can say for sure is that Bamboo products are Eco-friendly.

That’s not all.

Bamboo appears in many ancient tales. "Taketori Monogatari (Tale of the Bamboo Cutter)" as known as one of the most beloved stories in Japan.

https://theculturetrip.com/asia/japan/articles/the-tale-of-the-bamboo-cutter-the-history-of-the-folktale/







Also, there are many Bamboo idioms.

e.g. You are a person as like as split bamboo.
 (frank, openhearted, forward-thinking, never two-faced)

 When it comes to Idioms,  I know “You are as cool as cucumber”

This is a English idiom.  Idioms are very interesting and fun!!👍😄





But you know what?

The problem occurred now!!
Bamboo blossoms began to bloom in many places.
(not cherry blossoms)

I found that on some Japanese local news sites.

I've never in my life, heard or seen bamboo's flower.

very weird and interesting.





How come Bamboo blossom has problem?

It is said that Once‐in‐Century Bamboo Plant Blooms after that, die in whole bamboo forest.😓

I've found some articles on English sites.
     ↓

Perhaps even more surprising than the long intervals at which they flower is the fact that all plants of the same stock of bamboo will bloom at the same time, and then die, no matter where they are in the world. https://japantoday.com/category/features/lifestyle/%27once-in-a-hundred-year%27-sightings-of-bamboo-blossoms-reported-in-japan 

When a bamboo flowers, as most of us know, it is in danger of dying. Flowering bamboos do not always die; although many do -- especially in the case of gregarious flowering. Even an individual plant that suspends growth of new culms and foliage for the exclusive production of flowers may die.  http://www.bamboogarden.com/when%20bamboo%20flowers.htm

Flowering Bamboo Presents an Opportunity
Some people say, this must have seemed a bad omen!!😱

I don’t think so…

but I know we have been weird weather all over the world.  That is sure!!

snow in Sahara desert 2018

                                                        Taklamakan desert in flowers 2017

No ices in north pole

Hokkaido is known as wild northern island in Japan, weather is "COLD"
Average temperature in May : Low 40°F,   High 60°F  as usual.

But they say it was the hottest, crazy in May this year.

     2:50 pm May 26, 2019 : Hokkaido island

I'don't know what going on.

It might be a turning point in both history and a person's life.

Be like the bamboo: 7 lessons from the Japanese forest
........................

Oooops!!

This is my lucky bamboo.
Please be careful. Bamboo is poisonous plants for cats!!