This week, millions of Japanese will be celebrating “Shunbun no Hi”, (the Spring Equinox). As part of a seven day festival called “Haru no Higan”, Sunbun no Ho marks the official change of the Seasons from Winter to Spring and falls on the day of the year where daylight and night hours are of the same length.
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As the holiday is governed by astronomical cycles, Shunbun no Hi can fall anywhere between March 19th and March 22nd, and this year, it takes place on March 20th.
A centuries-old tradition, the holiday was previously known as “Higan no Nakaba” and was an occasion to pay homage to ancestors. It was a time to visit familial gravesites, clearing tombs of debris and to leave offerings of freshly cut flowers or food.
These days, Shunbun no Hi is seen as an opportunity to clean and freshen up the home, (A Spring clean if you like), take up new hobbies and generally spend some quality time with loved ones.
Farmers and other land-workers often mark Shunbun no Hi by praying for good luck and clement weather for the months ahead to ensure a bountiful harvest.
You can find out recent blog about Toji, (The Winter Solstice) by Clicking Here and if you would like to receive our upcoming Spring Newsletter, please Click Here to have a copy sent directly to your inbox.
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