Vernal Equinox Day in Japan

Posted by CelebrateZone.com on Thu, May 11, 2023

Vernal Equinox Day in Japan

Vernal Equinox Day is a holiday in Japan.

When is Vernal Equinox Day in Japan

Vernal Equinox Day is celebrated on 21, March, 2023 in Japan.

About Vernal Equinox Day in Japan

Vernal Equinox Day, or Shunbun no Hi in Japanese, is a national holiday in Japan that marks the beginning of spring. It usually falls on March 20 or 21, when the day and night are of equal length.

On this day, people in Japan traditionally visit their family graves and perform a ritual called ohakamairi, which involves cleaning the grave site and offering flowers and incense.

In recent years, there has also been a trend of celebrating the holiday by enjoying the outdoors and appreciating nature. Many people go on picnics, visit parks or gardens to see cherry blossoms, or participate in traditional Japanese activities such as tea ceremonies or flower arrangement.

Vernal Equinox Day is also a time for reflection and renewal, as it marks the start of a new season and a new beginning. It is a time to let go of the past and embrace the future with positivity and hope.

History of Vernal Equinox Day in Japan

Vernal Equinox Day, or Shunbun no Hi in Japanese, is a national holiday in Japan that marks the beginning of spring. The holiday has its roots in ancient Japanese traditions and has evolved over time to become a celebration of nature and renewal.

The vernal equinox occurs when the sun is directly above the equator, resulting in equal amounts of daylight and darkness. This usually happens around March 20th or 21st, depending on the year.

In Japan, the vernal equinox was traditionally a time for honoring ancestors and performing rituals to ensure a bountiful harvest. It was believed that on this day, the spirits of the dead would return to the world of the living, and families would clean their graves and offer food and other offerings.

Over time, the holiday became more focused on nature and the changing of the seasons. In 1878, the Meiji government officially recognized the vernal equinox as a national holiday, and it became a day for people to appreciate the beauty of spring and spend time outdoors.

Today, Vernal Equinox Day is celebrated with a variety of activities, including picnics, cherry blossom viewing, and visiting shrines and temples. Many schools and businesses are closed for the day, and it is a popular time for people to take a short vacation or travel to see the cherry blossoms in bloom.

Overall, Vernal Equinox Day is a time for reflection, renewal, and appreciation of the natural world.

How is Vernal Equinox Day celebrated in Japan

Vernal Equinox Day, also known as Shunbun no Hi in Japan, is celebrated on March 20 or 21 each year. It is a national holiday that marks the beginning of spring and the end of winter. Here are some ways in which Vernal Equinox Day is celebrated in Japan:

  1. Visiting Cherry Blossom Trees: Many people in Japan visit parks and gardens to view the cherry blossom trees in full bloom. This is a popular activity during the spring season, and many people have picnics under the trees.

  2. Cleaning Graves: Vernal Equinox Day is also a time to remember and honor the deceased. Many families visit cemeteries to clean the graves of their loved ones and offer flowers and incense.

  3. Eating Traditional Foods: Some traditional foods associated with Vernal Equinox Day include chirashizushi (a type of sushi), ohagi (sweet rice balls), and dango (sweet dumplings).

  4. Planting Trees: In recent years, there has been a growing trend of planting trees on Vernal Equinox Day. This is seen as a way to promote environmental awareness and to celebrate the arrival of spring.

  5. Hiking: Many people in Japan enjoy hiking and outdoor activities during the spring season. Vernal Equinox Day is a popular time to go on hikes and enjoy the fresh air and scenery.

Dates

Vernal Equinox Day will be celebrated in Japan on 2023-03-21, 2024-03-20, 2025-03-20, 2026-03-20, 2027-03-21 in the comming years.