Description
(Hossenbashi over Kawazu-Zakura River duing Kawazakura Cherry Blossom Festival in Kawazu-machi, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan)
Practically speaking, vermilion (red-orange) paint used on Japanese bridges, torii gates, shrines, temples, etc. provides a preservative function against the elements.
Culturally speaking, vermilion serves as a talisman against evil spirits. I surmise the color is used in this sense to protect the structure from destruction due to earthquakes, floods, mountain slides, fires, and engineering defects.
Regardless, I am a huge fan of vermilion bridges that often stand in stark contrast to green mountainscapes, flowing blue rivers, or in this shot where the vermilion bridge is analogous to the dark pink cherry blossoms.