Twenty-four solar terms with tenugui towels: Autumn and Winter
Calendars are indispensable to our daily lives. The daily calendar was created based on the solar calendar, which is based on the sun's movement. It has been used since 1872 and is called the “new calendar. " Before the solar calendar, the lunar-solar calendar, known as the “old calendar,” was used. It was introduced to Japan from China in the Asuka period (7th century) and has been adopted to know the changing of the seasons.
The 24 solar terms is a traditional way of dividing the year into 24 periods, each reflecting a specific change in nature, such as the beginning of a season or a significant weather change. It was initially developed in ancient China and is still used in Japan today. The system helps people track the changes in climate and nature for farming, daily life, and cultural practices.
In this issue, we will guide you through the 24 solar terms of autumn and winter.
Risshu (the first day of autumn) - Around August 7
Risshu is the time when the first signs of autumn can be felt. Seasonal greetings change to lingering summer heat greetings. Although it is still hot, autumn has begun according to the calendar, and the sound of insects and the appearance of plants and trees gradually change. Bon dances, summer festivals, and bonfires are held in various parts of Japan, reminding us of the end of summer.
Shosho (The end of summer day) - Around August 22
It is the time when the heat eases off a little. The heat of summer has passed its peak, and cool breezes begin to blow in the mornings and evenings. Around this time, cotton flowers, which are familiar to tenugui towels, open, and it is time to spin cotton wool. Fruits and other autumn fruits appear on the market, and they soothe our summer-weary bodies.
Hakuro (White dew) - Around September 8
This is the time when the earth cools down and dew forms. The lingering summer heat settles down,, and autumn finally arrives. Dewdrops begin to appear on the grass, and the coolness of the mornings and evenings becomes more noticeable. Let's enjoy looking at the seven autumnal flowers that appear with the deepening of autumn.
Shubun (Autumnal Equinox) - Around September 22
Like the vernal equinox, this is the day when the sun rises in the actual east and sets in the true west. The length of day and night are equal. After this day, the days become shorter, and autumn deepens. On Otsukimi Day, we should give thanks for a good harvest and bountiful crops while admiring the moon
KANRO (Cold Dew) - Around October 8
This is the time when the dew feels cold. Autumn deepens, and dusk falls earlier. Autumn is the season of abundant harvests from the mountains and the sea. Let's eat plenty of delicious food to nourish ourselves for the winter.
Soukou (Frostfal) - Around October 23
This is when the mornings and evenings get colder, and frost falls. The cold wind that blows around this time is called Kogarashi, which means cold wind in the trees. The trees begin to change color, and the mountains start to turn into autumn leaves. Autumn is coming to an end, and winter is finally approaching.
The season changes to winter from here.
The period from this day until Risshu is winter on the calendar. It is a time when the cold becomes more intense, and nabe (hotpot) becomes more common on Japanese dinner tables. Spending time snugly in a Kotatsu (a table with a heating unit underneath) eating Japanese oranges is a scene unique to Japan.
Shosetsu（Minor Snow）- Around November 22
This is the time of year when the weather gets colder, and snow begins to fall. Days when it is not too cold and there is still warm sunshine are called Koharu-biyori. As the season progresses, rain becomes snow, and full-blown winter approaches.
Taisetsu （Heavy snow）- Around December 7
This is the time when snow finally begins to fall in earnest. Tasteful scenery, such as snow hanging to prevent trees from breaking under their weight, can be seen. Japanese radishes and fatty fish, which become more delicious as the weather turns colder, are available, and the enjoyment of spending time at home increases.
Touji (Winter Solstice) - Around December 21
The winter solstice is the day with the shortest day and longest night of the year. Since the days lengthened after the winter solstice, it has been celebrated as the sun's rebirth in many countries since ancient times. In Japan, people celebrate the winter solstice by taking a healthy yuzu bath and eating pumpkins for good luck and strength during the cold season.
Shōkan (the beginning of winter) - Around January 5
The beginning of winter, just before the cold weather sets in. In Japan, on January 7th, people eat rice gruel containing the seven spring plants. This custom wishes for good health and longevity, drawing new life force from nature.
Daikan（The coldest ） - Around January 21
This is the coldest time of the year. Despite the cold weather, camellias bloom brightly, and one can feel the breath of nature. The days gradually lengthen as we move toward spring.