The Spring Equinox, also known as Shunbun no Hi in Japan, is a time of great significance and celebration in the country. It marks the official beginning of spring and is celebrated with various traditional customs and rituals. This article aims to delve into the origins, customs, and significance of the Spring Equinox celebrations in Japan.
Origins of the Spring Equinox in Japan
The Spring Equinox has been celebrated in Japan for centuries, with its roots tracing back to ancient Shinto beliefs. The concept of the equinox, where day and night are of equal length, holds great importance in Shintoism as it represents a balance between the natural world and humanity.
One of the oldest known references to the Spring Equinox celebrations can be found in the Nara period (710-784 AD), where Emperor Temmu declared the equinox as an official holiday. Over time, the celebration has evolved, incorporating various Shinto and Buddhist traditions.
Celebrating the Spring Equinox: Hatsumode
One of the most prominent Spring Equinox traditions in Japan is Hatsumode, which translates to “first visit of the year.” It involves visiting a shrine or temple to pray for health, happiness, and prosperity for the upcoming year.
Preparation for Hatsumode
Prior to Hatsumode, people clean their houses thoroughly to symbolize the removal of misfortune and bad luck from the previous year. This ritual is known as Oshogatsu, or New Year’s cleaning.
The Visit to a Shrine or Temple
On the day of Hatsumode, people wake up early to visit their local shrine or temple. The first person to enter the shrine is believed to bring good luck for the year. Therefore, the queue to enter can be quite long.
Traditional Rituals
Once inside the shrine or temple, visitors participate in traditional rituals such as:
- Offering a prayer: Visitors place a small amount of money in a donation box and then ring a bell to symbolize their prayer.
- Drinking amazake: A sweet, milky beverage made from fermented rice, amazake is offered to visitors as a symbol of health and well-being.
- Wearing yukata: Many people wear a yukata, a lightweight cotton kimono, during their visit to the shrine or temple.
Other Spring Equinox Celebrations
In addition to Hatsumode, there are several other Spring Equinox celebrations in Japan:
Hanami
Hanami, or cherry blossom viewing, is another popular Spring Equinox activity in Japan. People gather under cherry blossom trees, often in public parks, to enjoy the blooming flowers and have picnics with family and friends.
Setsubun
Setsubun, which translates to “beginning of the year,” is celebrated on February 3rd or 4th each year. It marks the division between the old year and the new year. One of the main rituals of Setsubun is the throwing of soybeans to驱除恶魔 (drive out evil spirits) and bring in good luck for the upcoming year.
Ohashi-matsuri
Ohashi-matsuri, or the bridge festival, is held in some regions of Japan during the Spring Equinox. It involves the decoration of bridges with colorful lanterns and the performance of traditional music and dance.
Conclusion
The Spring Equinox celebrations in Japan are a blend of ancient Shinto and Buddhist traditions, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage. From the visit to a shrine or temple during Hatsumode to the joyous activities of hanami, the Spring Equinox is a time for reflection, renewal, and celebration.