September Equinox in Japan ― Date, History, and Details
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Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of September Equinox in Japan and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of September Equinox in Japan and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
The September equinox in Japan falls on the 23rd day of the 9th month of the lunar calendar. This is also the autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. On this day, the sun shines directly on the equator and the day and night are of equal length. In Japan, the September equinox is a public holiday called Meiji Jingu Gaien-sai. It is a time to give thanks for the bounty of the autumn harvest.
On this day, people visit Meiji Shrine to pay their respects to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. The shrine is located in a large park called Meiji Jingu Gaien. This park is also famous for its many ginkgo trees, which turn a beautiful golden color in autumn.
People also eat special foods on this day. One popular dish is chrysanthemum rice, which is rice shaped into flower petals and decorated with chrysanthemum flowers. This dish is said to represent the harvest season and the changing of the seasons.