Twenty-Four Seasons No. 9 [Awn Seed] (Boshu)
This is the time to sow grains such as rice and wheat.
Small seedlings are planted in the rice fields, and the number of rainy days gradually increases, and the rainy season begins nationwide.
The word ``Awntane'' comes from ``the time of year when plants with awns sow seeds''. Awn refers to the needle-like protrusion at the tip of a grass-like plant, and has been used as a guide for harvesting wheat and planting rice around this time.
Also, around the time of [Awn Seed], in the 72nd year, it is written as follows.
25th candidate: First candidate [Kamakiri Shozu]
In early summer, mantis larvae hatch from eggs laid in autumn. Praying mantises are a blessing because they do not touch humans, do not attack rice or vegetables, and catch pests.
26th Runner-up [Kusataru Kusa Hotaru]
When fireflies fly around, emitting light in the darkness.
In Japan, it is said that about 40 species of fireflies live south of Honshu. The fireflies in Japan at this time are Genji fireflies, which hatch from May to June.
27th Descendant [Ume Mikibamu]
The rainy season is here, and it's time to harvest plums.
At first, the green plums are so bright that they gradually ripen and turn yellow. It is said that plums came to Japan around the 3rd century. It wasn't until the Kamakura period that it became widely eaten. Umeboshi can be used as an emergency food or portable food, has a long shelf life, and is an essential part of the Japanese diet.
