This week, Millions of people across Japan are celebrating the Autumnal Equinox. In this short-read article, we take a look at the popular National Holiday that marks the changing of the Seasons.
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A playful Macaque in the boughs of a Japanese Maple (Acer) on this wonderful pair of vases by Yabu Meizan
Shūbun no Hi (Autumnal Equinox Day) is a national holiday in Japan that falls on either the 22nd or 23rd of September each year.
The exact date of Shūbun no Hi is dependent on astronomical measurements so the specific date is unconfirmed until the February of the previous year.
Shūbun no Hi became an official public holiday in 1948 and, as with other national holidays after the end of World War Two, it was positioned as a non-religious celebration. (The post war constitution made efforts to separate religion and state.)
A pair of Pheasants resting on the branches of a tree on this fine Satsuma vase signed Ryozan for the Yasuda Company
Shūbun no Hi marks the changing of the Seasons as Summer transitions to Autumn. It is also an important and poignant occasion where Japanese people pay their respects to deceased parents, grandparents and other family members.
The Japanese traditionally called the period around the Spring and Autumnal Equinoxes “Higan” or “Ohigan” It translates as “the other side of the river”.
A pair of Deer at the banks of a river on this charming Satsuma vase signed Shisui
One side of the river is occupied by the living and the other side is where you will find the the souls of those that have passed away.
This makes the Autumnal Equinox a fitting time to visit and tend to the graves of loved ones, offering prayers, flowers, food and the ceremonial burning of incense sticks.
Mourners gather at the “Yushoin” (Mausoleum) at the Zojo-ji Temple complex in Tokyo on this masterful Sastuma vase by Sozan.
A popular offering is a sweet snack called Ohagi which is made from sticky rice, adzuki-bean paste and cornflour. Shūbun no Hi is a busy time for bakers and confectioners as the demand for this tasty treat peaks.
A team of hard-working bakers depicted making “Mochi” on this fantastic Satsuma vase signed Ryozan
Higan is a seven day event that commences three days prior to the equinox and ends three days after it. The equinox itself only lasts a fleeting moment as the Sun transits the Autumn equinoctial point and is briefly directly above the equator.
The Sun Goddess Amaterasu with her brothers and attendants on a Kinkozan Company Satsuma vase
Although the Autumnal Equinox was only recognised as a National Holiday in 1948, it has been celebrated for many hundreds of years. Before 1948, it took the form of Shuki Koreisai which was an event with Shinto and Buddhist origins. During the reign of Emperor Meiji, (1868-1912) Shuki Koreisai became an event to honour past Emperors and decease members of the Royal family.
A beautiful depiction of the Nikko Shrine on a fine Satsuma vase signed Sozan (Principal artist at the Kinkozan Company)
To this day, many people choose to mark the holiday by taking in a walk around a park or garden. The practice of “Momijigari” or “Red leaf hunting”. Momijiagari is an opportunity to admire the changing colours of the leaves as Summer gives way to Autumn.
Idyllic riverside scenes captures on this beautiful Satsuma vase from Ryozan
It is a popular Japanese custom similar to “Hanami” which occurs during the Spring-time Cherry Blossom Season. You can read our blog about Cherry Blossom by Clicking Here.
On the reverse of the vase, noble folk are seen taking in the Sakura
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Autumnal tones on this mille-fleur Hozan Satsuma bowl