August 17 2024
Seasons and Dining (October, Kannazuki)
Kannazuki Choyo ~ Enjoying the lunar calendar
The basis of Japan's annual events is the Chinese philosophy of Yin Yang and the Five Elements. In the Yin-Yang theory, which states that ``everything in this world is divided into ``Yin'' and ``Yang,'' and the ebb and flow of these two qi creates harmony in all things, odd numbers are ``Yang,'' and even numbers are ``Yin.'' has been. On days when the number of yangs overlap, it is celebrated as an auspicious and auspicious day, but at the same time, since even numbers overlap to create an odd number, there is a fear that an unlucky "yin" event will occur, and people are encouraged to exorcise evil spirits and avoid illness. A festival was held to pray for good health. When it was introduced to Japan during the Nara and Heian periods, it was incorporated into the elegant events of the imperial court, and later became syncretized with the festivals and customs of the ancient beliefs of agricultural peoples, and became established as a seasonal event. During the Edo period, the shogunate established Gosekku as an official holiday, and it became even more ingrained in the lives of the common people. (Of the days with overlapping positive numbers, New Year's Day on January 1st was treated as a special day, and instead, Jinji on January 7th was designated as Gosekku.)
The five festivals conclude with the chrysanthemum of September 9th, when the maximum yang number overlaps. The nobles of the Heian period admired chrysanthemums, which were a rare flower that had just been introduced from China at the time, and held parties where they drank sake infused with chrysanthemums to pray for good health and longevity. The chrysanthemum is believed to be a spiritual herb that has the power to ward off evil spirits, and there are also legends such as ``Kikusui Legend'' and ``Kikujido,'' in which people can obtain longevity and immortality through the power of chrysanthemums.
January 7th is People's Day, March 3rd's Kamishi and May 5th's Tango are festivals to pray for children's growth and happiness, the legend of the star alignment of Tanabata is a festival to pray for the love between adult men and women, and Chongyang is a festival to pray for longevity. . The Gosekku beautifully traces the life of a person by overlapping it with the flow of the seasons. I cannot help but feel deeply moved by the depth of thought of our predecessors.
By the way, if you apply seasonal festivals, which were originally events in the lunar calendar, to dates in the new calendar, the seasons may shift and things may not feel right. For example, Tanabata falls during the rainy season according to the lunar calendar, and it is a shame that Orihime and Hikoboshi's meeting does not happen very often. In 2023, September 9th of the lunar calendar falls on October 23rd. Autumn chrysanthemums are in full bloom in the open fields, and large-flowered chrysanthemum fairs are held in various places. The custom of eating chestnut rice began in Chongyo during the Edo period, and by September 9th, chestnuts were available in abundance at stores. It's also good to enjoy annual events according to the lunar calendar, paying close attention to the seasons and thoughts felt by ancient people.
<This month's gift: Chin Si>
Chrysanthemum Day, also known as the ``Chrysanthemum Festival,'' is a festival filled with chrysanthemums, such as chrysanthemum flowers, dishes using chrysanthemums, Japanese sweets shaped like chrysanthemums, chrysanthemum sake, chrysanthemum melons, and chrysanthemum-themed vessels and hanging scrolls. I wish you a long life with the preparation. It is also said that the word ``dedicate yourself'' contains the desire for a long life that cannot be fulfilled no matter how hard you try, and the strong desire to ``live''.
A must-have qualification for tableware lovers: "Tableware Sommelier"
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