24 Solar Terms Number 2 Usui
The falling snow turns to rain and the snow begins to melt.
The snow that had accumulated on the mountains slowly melts, moistening the earth.
There are still areas with a lot of snow, but the bitter cold is easing up and warm rain is falling, causing the snow to begin to melt. This is the time when the frozen earth awakens and plants begin to sprout.
This was used as a sign that the soil should begin to become moist with melting snow, and it was the time to start preparing for farming.
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Also, on March 3rd, there is the Peach Festival, also known as Jōshi no Sekku, one of the five seasonal festivals.
It is said that the best time to put up the Hina dolls is after the demons have been exorcised on Setsubun, when the beginning of spring arrives, and around the time of Usui.
*Detailed information about the Girls' Festival will be posted in the [Girls' Festival Customs] section.
Now, let us introduce some events that take place during the Rainy Season.
◆Girls' Festival◆
The Jōshi Festival, one of the five seasonal festivals, falls on March 3rd and is also called the Peach Festival as it coincides with the time when peach trees bloom.
Decorating the Hina dolls
It is said that the reason for displaying Hina dolls is to have them take on misfortunes and diseases in place of the children, and families with girls decorate them with the hope of praying for their growth and happiness. This sentiment has become the celebratory culture we know today. Hina dolls are also talismans for women and can be displayed at any age, so not only girls but all women can display Hina dolls or enjoy them as seasonal decorations.
Celebration "Girls' Festival"
On this day, families with girls celebrate and pray for their healthy growth and happiness as "Girl's Day." At the celebration, celebratory foods such as chirashi sushi, clam soup, Hina arare, sakura mochi, and sake are prepared.
The Children's Day festival marks a seasonal turning point and is not only a time to celebrate, but also a time to take care of one's family and one's own health and to reexamine one's lifestyle.
Use this time to rejuvenate your mind and body.
◆Three cold days and four warm days◆
"Three cold days and four warm days" is a winter seasonal word, but it is actually experienced in the spring.
It means that three days of cold weather are followed by four days of warm weather . As this cycle repeats, the number of warm days gradually increases, and we move towards spring and then summer.
Another characteristic of spring is the remaining expressions related to the seasons and climate, such as " the first wind of spring " and " the return of cold weather ," which are unique to the temperature difference between morning and evening and the drastic temperature changes that are unique to spring.
◆Holidays◆
February 23rd Emperor's Birthday
On May 1, 2019 (Reiwa 1), the former Emperor abdicated and the current Emperor ascended to the throne. The Emperor's Birthday is literally the Emperor's birthday, and is designated as one of the national holidays by the National Holidays Act.
What is the difference between "holiday" and "festival"?
I think that not many people pay attention to the difference between [public holidays] and [holidays], so I would like you to be aware of it.
[Holidays] are holidays designated by law.
[Holidays] are days on which religious ceremonies were once held.
The holidays in Japan are as follows:
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The 72 seasonal divisions around the time of [Rain Water] are expressed as follows.
First Season Fourth Season
＜The soil veins become moist＞
The cold snow turns into warm spring rain, moistening the earth. The cold eases, and sleeping animals wake up.
Next Season 5th Season <The mist begins to drift>
Next Phase 6 ＜Plants begin to sprout＞
Mist begins to hang over the mountains bathed in the morning sun.
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