24 solar terms 20th [light snow]
It's the 15th day since the beginning of winter. When news of snow arrives from the north.
It was called light snow because it wasn't that much snow.
The sunlight becomes weaker, the autumn leaves begin to fall, and the ginkgo and citrus fruits turn yellow. It's getting colder and colder, so it's time to start preparing for winter in earnest.
However, the wind in November is gentle and the weather feels warm during this time, which is compared to spring and is called ``Koharu Biyori.'' Autumn scenery in Japan.
It's also the time to start preparing year-end gifts for the people who have helped you over the past year.
The year-end gift is
It is a gift that you give to someone who has helped you this year, saying, ``Thank you for this past year. I look forward to working with you again next year.''
<Why are there so many foods for year-end gifts? 〉
Year-end gifts were originally presented on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day as offerings for the Goryo Festival to welcome the spirits of ancestors, from branch families to the main family, from in-laws to parents' homes, and from servants to employers.
Since it was an offering to the Toshigami deity on New Year's Day, the celebratory dishes were chosen to last for a long time, such as fresh salmon, yellowtail, kelp, sake, and mochi, which is said to have led to today's food-based year-end gifts.
[Koyuki]'s 72 lords are expressed as follows.
●First weather <Nijikakure Miezu>
When the light of the sun fades and you can no longer see rainbows.
It is the counterpart of ``Rainbow's First Appearance'', which is the last of the 24 solar terms of spring (Seimei).
●Next person <Kitakazekonoha wo Harau>
When the cold north wind sheds the leaves from the trees.
You can feel the transition to winter scenery.
●The Last Destiny <Tachibana Shikibamu>
When the tachibana fruits turn yellow.