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Harvesting Harmony: Understanding Japan’s Autumnal Equinox Day
If you find the dates and traditions behind Japan’s Autumnal Equinox Day confusing, you’re not alone. We know it might appear a bit complicated. Worry not, because we’re about to explain every detail about the event in simple terms. This post will give you a better understanding of the Autumnal Equinox holiday in Japan, its history, and ways to properly celebrate the astronomical event.
Understanding the Autumnal Equinox
Before we get into the origins and celebrations of the holiday, we need to examine the astronomical event that’s responsible for everything. Find out more below.
Definition and Significance
The autumnal equinox is a moment when the sun is directly above the earth’s equator, causing day and night to have exactly the same length. This phenomenon occurs twice a year, in the southern and northern hemispheres. The southward equinox occurs when the sun appears to leave the Northern Hemisphere, and it takes place in September.
The northward or vernal equinox happens in March, and this time, the sun appears to leave the Southern Hemisphere. In Japan, the autumnal equinox marks the astronomical arrival of autumn, while the vernal equinox marks the coming of spring. In this post, we’ll focus on the autumnal equinox.
The Autumnal Equinox Day or Shūbun no Hi, is a national holiday in Japan that takes place on the date of the southward equinox, which typically falls on September 22 or 23. On this day, everyone in the country gets a break from work, allowing them to partake in traditional or modern celebrations. The sun rises exactly on the eastern side and sets exactly on the western side. The date of Autumnal Equinox Day in 2024 is September 22.
Fun Facts
Before the next autumnal equinox, it will be helpful to learn some of the lesser-known facts about the phenomenon. This will give you a better understanding of the concept behind the event and its celebrations.
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The Autumnal Equinox only lasts for a moment: Although people celebrate the event throughout the day, the actual phenomenon lasts for a moment when the sun crosses the celestial equator.
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The name is Latin: The term “autumnal equinox” comes from the Latin “equal night.”
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The lengths of day and night are not exactly equal: We never get a perfectly balanced day and night of 12 hours each, even during an equinox. The sun comes out for 12 hours and approximately 16 minutes.
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The date may fall on September 21 or 24: Although the equinox typically occurs on September 22 or 23, there are years when it falls on September 21 or 24. The 2092 and 2096 autumnal equinoxes will occur on September 21, and the last time that happened was 1000 C.E. The 2303 iteration will take place on September 24, and this hasn’t been the case since 1931.
History and Origins
Although the day of the autumnal equinox only became a Japanese public holiday in 1948, people have been celebrating the event for centuries. Before 1948, it took the form of the Shūki Kōreisai, an event of Shinto and Buddhist origins. There were two such holidays at the time: the Shun-ki Kōreisai in spring and the Shūki Kōreisai in autumn. Both Shinto holidays corresponded to the two equinoxes of the year. They were only converted into non-religious versions because of Japan’s post-war efforts to separate religion from the affairs of the state.
Ancient Celebrations and Traditions
Thanks to Shūki Kōreisai, the day of the autumnal equinox has been a national holiday since the Meiji period (1868-1912). The first iteration was in 1878, when it began as a way to honor past Japanese emperors and members of the royal family. It was also a time to pay tribute to the spirits of deceased relatives. During the ancient Shūki Kōreisai, people spent most of the day at ancestral graves, Shinto shrines, and Buddhist temples. Although the event has been replaced by a non-religious holiday, many Japanese people still honor the traditional ways of Kōreisai.
Traditional Ways to Celebrate
In Japan, followers of ancient traditions celebrate Autumnal Equinox Day by following the practices of Ohigan, a Buddhist holiday, which means “the other shore.” Both Japanese holidays often coincide, as Ohigan is a 7-day event that begins three days before the equinox and ends three days after it. People celebrate it by attending family reunions, tending to the graves of their ancestors and praying at shrines and temples. Citizens from different parts of the country and abroad often return to their hometowns to celebrate with their families. The Buddhist reasoning for these activities is that the veil separating the world of the living and the dead is at its thinnest during the equinox.
Those who don’t belong to any of the religions in Japan still celebrate the favorable weather by enjoying outdoor activities and the autumn harvest by eating traditional Shūbun no Hi snacks.
Seasonal Foods and Activities
One of the most common things to do on the holiday is to take a walk around a park or garden. This will allow you to bask in the natural beauty of Japan in the wake of the autumn season. The famous red spider lily is a common sight during this period. When it blooms, you can see a firework-like bud on its long stem. You can also see the hagi, another famous flower that blooms in autumn.
It’s customary to eat ohagi or botomachi on the holiday. This is a ball of glutinous rice (sweet rice) covered in sweet red bean (azuki) paste. The dish is believed to ward off evil and bad luck. As you may have guessed, the name “ohagi” was derived from the hagi flower. Other seasonal foods to enjoy on that day include matsutake mushroom, Chinese quince, and mackerel.
Modern Celebrations in Japan
After Autumnal Equinox Day became a public holiday in 1948, Shūki kōreisai lost its status as the main celebration for September 21 or 22. The exact date of the holiday depends on astronomical measurements, which remain unconfirmed until February of the previous year.
Contemporary Significance and Events
The autumn equinox is a significant event in Japanese culture, as it marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the winter months. While some people prefer to celebrate the event in the traditional way, others focus on more modern celebrations. The following are some modern ideas you can try during the holiday:
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Host or attend a party
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Attend a harvest festival
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Go on a picnic
Global Autumnal Equinox Celebrations
Other countries also celebrate the autumnal equinox in their own ways. Let's take a look at the traditions and customs of different countries around the world.
Unique Traditions and Customs
In Japanese culture, the autumn equinox is celebrated with the tradition of Higan, remembrance of deceased relatives and marking the passing of the seasons. Check out what people do in other cultures in the list below:
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Persephone (Greek): The Greeks associate the autumnal equinox with the legend of Persephone. According to mythology, she was the daughter of the goddess of harvest and agriculture. Persephone was tricked by Hades into going down to the underworld on every autumn equinox.
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Pyramid of Kukulkan (Mayan): This pyramid was created in Chichen Itza, an ancient Mayan capital. The pyramid turns into a spectacle on every equinox, thanks to its intricate design.
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Michaelmas (Catholic): This is a Christian feast day that takes place near the autumnal equinox. Catholics in Britain and Western Europe also gather nuts and blackberries.
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Year Cycle (Druids): The ancient druids believed that the equinox infused the celestial powers of the heavens into the fruits on earth. The day marked the beginning of the Druid Year.
Preparing for the Season Ahead
Japan is a great place to be during the autumn season. The season has been full of traditions for centuries among the Japanese people, drawing inspiration for artists and poets. Below are tips to help you make your stay more memorable.
Tips for Making the Most of Autumn
Many people believe the cherry blossoms of spring are Japan’s only spectacular floral experience. However, autumn foliage provides equally beautiful sights. You can also practice Momijigari, or “red leaf hunting,” a Japanese custom of admiring the changing colors of leaves.
The full moon that appears nearest to the autumnal equinox is known as the Harvest Moon. It was especially significant for farmers working late at night to harvest new crops. In Japan, there is a series of Harvest Moon Festivals known as Tsukimi. Similar to the Mid-Autumn Festival in China, these festivals feature traditional foods, decorations, music, and dance performances.
Embracing the Magic of the Season
Don’t hesitate to take full advantage of the upcoming Autumnal Equinox Day in Japan. There’s a lot to see and do in the country, ranging from traditional rites to modern parties. The fun continues if you stay through September to enjoy the natural autumn attractions and Harvest Moon festivals.
Our collection of gift items at Bokksu Boutique is just what you need to elevate the experience for you and your loved ones. Keep an eye out for our special Harvest Collection coming soon in October 2024!
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