Final answer:
In 'The Story of the Old Man Who Made Withered Trees to Blossom,' the event where the ashes cause a withered cherry tree to blossom mirrors the transient beauty of life, similar to the symbolism of cherry blossoms in Japanese culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Japanese culture, cherry blossoms are a poignant symbol of the ephemeral nature of life and beauty, highlighting the passage and impermanence of life's moments.
In the traditional tale "The Story of the Old Man Who Made Withered Trees to Blossom," the event that reflects this symbolism is when the ashes of the mortar cause a withered cherry tree to blossom once again.
This moment is emblematic of the transient beauty of life, as the once lifeless cherry tree is momentarily revived, full of color and life, only to inevitable follow the natural cycle and fade again, much like the fleeting bloom of real cherry blossoms.