The tidal basin, the entry point to Washington, D.C. and home to the Jefferson Memorial, is at its most colorful and vibrant this weekend.

The city's historic cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

Tonight, we take a look at the history and symbolism behind these national treasures.

The start of spring around the globe means longer days, warmer rays of sunshine, and bursts

of blooming flowers. In the nation's capital, the cherry blossoms are among the world's most

treasured examples, drawing thousands of admirers every year. Revereered for their elegant and airy

flowers, these sturdy trees create a pink and white

halo around the tidal basin. And while it takes weeks for this Japanese symbol of hope to bloom,

the paper-thin petals only stay put for a few precious days. These trees also represent a century-old bond between two nations half a world

apart. It began as a gift in 1909 when the city of Tokyo donated 2,000 cherry trees to the U.S.

But by the time the shipment arrived in early 1910, the trees had become diseased, infested with bugs, and had to be burned.

A determined Tokyo sent a second batch of trees in 1912.

This time, more than 3,000 of them planted at the tidal basin as a symbol of friendship

between Japan and the United States.

Decades later, by 1941,

what had been a small gathering to celebrate the gift

had become the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Now the annual event stretches for nearly a month.

The cherry blossoms are always a welcome distraction,

if you will, whether it's from winter

or anything else that's going on.

It's Washington's grandest springtime tradition.

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