24th solar term

[Great Cold (Daikan)]

It's the coldest time of the year.

　

This is the last of the 24 solar terms.
The next solar term is the first, Risshun, which marks the beginning of spring according to the calendar.

Every year, the lowest temperatures are often recorded around this time in many places, and heavy snowfall and cold waves are more likely to occur. However, it is also around this time that we begin to sense the arrival of spring.

Once the cold weather hits bottom, it gradually gets warmer and the butterbur buds start to bloom. The long-awaited arrival of spring.

However, there is a forecast for a strong cold wave that seems to be coming soon, so it looks like it will be a while before we can even see spring.

During Daikan, the customs of cold (kan) continue from the previous solar term, Xiaohan.

On the last day of Daikan, Setsubun marks the turning point between winter and spring.

Now, let's take a step by step introduction to the customs of Great Cold!

 

At this time of year, it is customary to send "winter greetings" as seasonal greetings to express concern for the cold weather .

Winter greeting cards are sent as seasonal greetings to show concern for the other person during the coldest season of the year and to update each other on their recent situations. Other common messages include apologies for not sending New Year's greetings due to mourning, or for not informing the person of the death, and messages of sympathy to show concern for the person in mourning. These days, people may not have the custom of posting New Year's cards or letters, and may instead communicate these messages via email or social media.
The time to send mid-winter greetings is from the end of the New Year period to the beginning of spring .

2. [Winter preparation]

　

Previous PostThe ninth day after Little Cold is called "Kankyu," and is said to be the day when the water is the clearest in the year. This water is used in a uniquely Japanese food culture that is unique to this time of year.

--What is cold brewing?

The term originates from the word "kanzukuri" (cold brewing), which was originally used in the brewing of sake. " Kanzukuri " refers to the brewing of soy sauce, miso, and sake during the "cold" season.

Why do we prepare it during the cold season?

1. In winter, the temperature is low and it is difficult for bacteria to grow, so mold is less likely to grow.
2. Fermentation can be done slowly at low temperatures, bringing out the umami flavor.
3. It can be made using fresh soybeans and rice harvested in the fall.

Temperature control is very important when making fermented foods. The cold weather makes it difficult for bacteria to get in, and it is said that fermenting slowly at low temperatures brings out the flavor and matures the food.
It is said that sake is brewed in this way to produce a fine, high-quality drink, and in the past it was called "kanzake" and treated as something special.

Other foods include "kan eggs," "kan clams," and "kan nori," and eggs laid during the cold season are said to be of high quality and nutritious. Eggs laid during the Great Cold are especially called "Great Cold Eggs," and are highly revered.

◆What are “Great Cold Eggs”?

In the last phase of the 72 seasons, Daikan is the time when chickens start to lay eggs. In other words, it is the time when chickens, sensing the signs of spring, start to lay eggs.

In modern times, chicken farming has become mainstream, but originally, eggs were a precious food that only lay eggs from spring to early summer. Nowadays, eggs are available in stores all year round, so there is little sense of when they are in season, but the season for eggs is from February to April. They are said to be highly nutritious because they mature slowly inside the mother's body during the cold season. This only applies to fertilized eggs; unfertilized eggs have the same taste and quality all year round.

3. Setsubun

The day that separates the beginning of a season from the day before is called Setsubun.
Setsubun is famously known as the day before the beginning of spring (February 4th), but in reality, Setsubun occurs four times a year.



Since the beginning of spring in the old calendar was the new year, it is said that the day before was a day to ward off evil spirits, and it was a day similar to the modern-day New Year's Eve. Nowadays, only the day before the beginning of spring remains as Setsubun, and the customs of throwing beans and eating ehomaki and sardines as an event to pray for good health for the year remain.

◆Ehomaki

 

The lucky direction for 2024 is " northeast-northeast" !

Eho is the direction governed by the God of the Year, and refers to the auspicious direction determined for that year. Ehomaki is a sushi roll that carries the meaning of "rolling up good fortune," so it is said that eating it while facing that direction will bring you better fortune.

It is said that the reason why Ehomaki is eaten whole without cutting it is to "not cut ties" with the sushi roll, as it wraps up good fortune and connections, and brings happiness and wishes for the year, and that it is eaten in silence to "not let good fortune escape from the mouth."

The seven kinds of ingredients that have been said to bring good luck since ancient times are the most common, but recently there are many different types of ehomaki. There are no set rules for ehomaki, so please enjoy Setsubun once a year with your favorite ehomaki.

The time of Great Cold is represented in the 72 seasonal divisions as follows:

　

First Season (70th Season: Butterbur Blossoms Bloom)

January 20th to January 24th, 2023

　

When the butterbur buds emerge from under the snow

　

In the bitter cold, the butterbur flowers start to peek out from the snow-covered ground. It's a joyous time of year, as it gradually signals the approach of spring.

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Next phase: 71st phase: "Water and streams become firm"

January 25th to January 29th, 2023

　

When the water in the river is frozen and thick with ice,

The water gets colder and colder, and it is now the coldest time of the year. During this time, strong cold air from the continent easily enters the area, bringing record-breaking snowfall and record low temperatures.

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Last sign (72nd sign "chickens start to breastfeed")

January 30th to February 4th, 2023

　

When chickens sense the signs of spring and start laying eggs　

In modern times, chicken farming has become mainstream, but originally, chickens only laid eggs from spring to early summer, making them a valuable commodity. Nowadays, eggs are available in stores all year round, so there is little sense of when they are in season, but the season for eggs is from February to April. During the cold season, eggs mature slowly inside the mother's body, so they are said to be highly nutritious.

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The Daikan period is the coldest time of the year, and people spend a lot of time at home. It is recommended to build up your strength by eating seasonal foods during the cold season. By participating in Daikan events and cooking with seasonal foods, you can feel the cold of Daikan, but you can also feel the signs of spring on the land.
Let's start preparing for spring little by little.