24 Solar Terms No. 16 [Autumnal Equinox]

From White Dew to Autumnal Equinox.
As the saying goes, "The heat and cold last until the equinox," the lingering heat gradually subsides and autumn deepens.

The autumnal equinox is the day when day and night become equal in length, marking the beginning of winter. It is an important time as it marks the transition of the seasons.
On both the vernal and autumnal equinoxes, the sun rises due east and sets due west, so day and night are roughly the same length.

With the vernal equinox as the boundary, the short days of winter become longer towards the summer solstice.
After the autumnal equinox, the long days of summer become shorter as we approach the winter solstice.

In addition, among the 24 solar terms, the summer solstice, winter solstice, vernal equinox, and autumnal equinox are collectively called the "solstices and equinoxes" and are used to indicate the division of the 24 seasons.

Vernal equinox (spring equinox) Autumnal equinox (autumn equinox)
Summer solstice (summer solstice) Winter solstice (winter solstice)
Along with marking the change of seasons, these are also times to pray for a bountiful harvest and to give thanks and celebrate the harvest (praising nature and cherishing living things).

[Autumnal Equinox Day]

Like the Vernal Equinox Day, the Autumnal Equinox Day is designated as a national holiday, and in recent years it has come to influence the length of the long autumn holiday known as Silver Week, so it has become a popular holiday among the public.

Generally, Ohigan is a Buddhist event that takes place twice a year, in spring and autumn, and is generally understood as a period to honor ancestors through visiting graves and making offerings.

The autumnal (vernal) equinox falls on the middle day of Ohigan, and the three days before and after the autumnal (vernal) equinox (seven days in total) are called Ohigan, a period during which people visit graves, take care of their Buddhist altars and implements, offer prayers for and express gratitude to their ancestors, and reflect on themselves.
The dates of the equinoxes were determined based on the belief that the vernal and autumnal equinoxes, when the sun sets due west, are the days when one can be closest to paradise.

●Vernal Equinox Day (Spring Equinox Day)
A holiday to "praise nature and cherish living things"
●Autumnal Equinox Day (Autumnal Equinox Day)
A holiday to honor ancestors and remember those who have passed away


We are often asked why the summer solstice and winter solstice are not designated as national holidays, but unlike the vernal and autumnal equinoxes, the summer solstice and winter solstice are not designated as national holidays because there are no customs (Higan) like the "Spring and Autumn Imperial Ancestors' Festival" that have been held in Japan since ancient times on these days.

 
1. Visiting the graves of your ancestors

The custom of holding memorial services for ancestors, known as "Ohigan," is a culture unique to Japan.　　　

The offerings made during Obon and Higan are called the "Five Offerings" and consist of five basic types: incense (joss sticks), flowers, candles, purified water, and food and drink.
When choosing offerings, it will be easier if you keep these five types in mind.

◆Inscription on the offering◆

The general inscriptions for offerings during the equinox are "offerings" or "offerings."
However, if it is before the 49th day memorial service, it is "Goreizan" and after the memorial service, it is "Gobutsuzen", so if it has been a short time since the death, it is a good idea to check with the other party. If you are bringing it to the temple, it is fine to call it "Osohina" or "Jo".

Mizuhiki cords are generally tied in black and white, but in the Kansai region, yellow and white cords are used.

When writing the giver's name under the mizuhiki, it is fine to write just the family name, but if you are gathering with relatives or if the family name is common, it is recommended to write the full name.
If there are multiple people, write their names in order of seniority from the right. If there are five or more people, write "All of us at XX."

When wrapping cash, it is common to put it in a "fushugi-bukuro" (condolence envelope). Details such as the amount put in, address, and name are written on the inner envelope.

◆What do you give in return for the offerings?◆

Since the equinox is mainly celebrated among family members, it is generally said that there is no need to give anything in return even if you receive offerings during the equinox.

If you want to return the favor while considering future relationships with the person who gave you the offering, it is fine to give them a gift. The value should be about one-third to half of the offering you received, and you can either mail it with a thank-you letter after the equinox, or prepare it in advance and give it to them on the spot.

When offering food at home, it is common to offer the favorite foods of the deceased, based on the "Five Offerings" (goku). In accordance with Buddhist teachings, it is important to avoid alcohol, meat, fish, and other items that are associated with killing. Sweets and drinks are easy to prepare. Similarly, you can decorate with flowers of your choice. Generally, thorny or poisonous foods tend to be avoided.
Popular flowers offered during the autumn equinox include chrysanthemums, gentians, cockscombs, dahlias, and cosmos, which are vibrant in color and have long-lasting blooms.

Ceremonial food "Ohagi"

◆Do you know the difference between "Ohagi" and "Botamomochi"?◆

Ohagi is called "Ohagi" after the bush clover, a flower that blooms in autumn, and botamochi is called "Botamochi" after the peony, a flower that blooms in spring.

●Botammochi is made in a round shape that resembles the shape of a peony flower.
●Ohagi is made in a long, oval shape like a bush clover flower.

Additionally, the red beans used to make botamochi and onigiri are harvested in autumn.
●Ohagi uses freshly harvested red beans with the skin on for its "tsubuan" (bean paste with whole beans).
Botamochi is made with smooth bean paste without the skin.

Nowadays, red beans can be harvested regardless of the season, so the type of bean paste used varies depending on preference, and botamochi and onohagi are used as seasonal names.

*

Japan has a variety of seasonal events and cultures, and these cultures are practiced with the characteristics of living in harmony with the seasons. From now on, the seasons will gradually change and we will move towards winter. At this time, Ohigan is an event held to offer prayers and give thanks to ancestors. When you think about the thoughts that are put into this event as it celebrates the autumn harvest, it is endearing as it seems to be filled with the wisdom of Japanese life.

The autumnal equinox is represented in the 72 seasonal divisions as follows:

First sign: "Thunder suppresses the sound"
　

When the thunder that rumbled throughout the summer subsides.

This is the season that pairs with "Kaminari i i koe wo hassu" (the sound of thunder), which occurs around the time of the vernal equinox. There are several names for seasons that pair with each other in the 72 seasons, and by knowing these names you can get a sense of the cycle of the seasons.

●Next Season <(The vine is sown and the door is closed)>

This is the time when insects, sensing the cold, hide underground.

The first sign of the awakening of insects: "Hibernation of insects and their homes"  As summer comes to an end, the insects that have been active outside sense the approach of cold weather and begin preparing for winter.

●End of the season ＜Water begins to dry up＞

The water is drained from the rice fields and the rice harvest begins.

In order to have a wonderful autumn season, it may be a good time to take care of yourself and your family's mind and body during the equinox and use it as an opportunity to reflect on yourself.