The Japanese folktale Hanasaka Jiisan, about a kind old man, his loyal dog Pochi, and ashes that make cherry trees bloom.

The good old man went to get his usu back, but the neighbor said, "Hmph! I burned that useless usu." With no other choice, the good old man gathered the ashes of the burned usu and went home.

The Good Old Man and the Bad Old Man — page 9

Some time later, the good old man climbed to the top of a cherry tree and, scattering the ashes of the usu, cried, "Let the dead trees bloom! Let the dead trees bloom!" As if by magic, all the dead trees burst into blossom at once. A wealthy man passing by was delighted and rewarded the good old man with many riches.