Equinox Day Celebration in Japan during National Holidays
In Japan, the Autumnal Equinox Day, known as Shūbun no Hi, carries profound cultural and spiritual significance as a day to honour ancestors and express gratitude towards nature. This day is closely linked to the Ohigan period, a sacred time for Buddhist memorial practices that spans approximately a week around the equinox.
The Balance of Day and Night
The Autumnal Equinox Day is significant because it marks the day when day and night are almost equal in length. This symbolizes balance and a time to appreciate nature's bounty and the changing seasons.
The Spiritual Crossing of Ohigan
During the Ohigan period, many Japanese families visit the graves of their ancestors, clean the gravesites, offer flowers, incense, and ohagi (sweet rice balls), reflecting reverence and familial bonds across generations. The term "Ohigan" means "the other shore" and represents a spiritual crossing from suffering towards enlightenment in Buddhism. This period is traditionally devoted to prayers for deceased ancestors and the deceased's peaceful repose.
A Time for Reflection
The Autumnal Equinox Day encourages reflection on natural harmony and the cyclical nature of life and death. This ties into Buddhist teachings and ancestral veneration, making it a deeply spiritual and familial occasion in Japan.
The Role of the Higanbana
The higanbana, or red spider lily, blooms during the Autumnal Equinox period and plays a significant role in the somber and spiritual atmosphere of this time. Although not directly mentioned in historical facts about the Autumnal Equinox, its association with the season and grave visits adds to the context.
The Pure Land of Paradise
It is worth noting that the Pure Land of paradise is believed to be closest when the sun rises due east and sets due west at the equinoxes. However, the higanbana is not related to this belief, but its association with the equinox and spiritual practices adds to the overall theme.
The Higan Period
In Buddhism, the three days before and after the equinox, together with the equinox itself, make up a seven-day period known as Higan. This period is considered a time for spiritual growth and reflection.
Honouring Ancestors and Remembering the Departed
Autumnal Equinox Day is a day to honour ancestors and remember those who have passed. Many people visit family graves during this period, making it a poignant time for reflection and remembrance.
National Holiday in Japan
Autumnal Equinox Day is observed as a national holiday in Japan, providing an opportunity for people to connect with their heritage and pay tribute to their ancestors.
The Imperial Household's Kōreisai Ceremony
The imperial household holds the Kōreisai, a ceremony honoring the spirits of past emperors and imperial family members, on the Autumnal Equinox Day. This ceremony is separate from the spiritual practices and ancestral offerings that are a part of the wider Autumnal Equinox celebrations.
The Beauty of the Higanbana
Clusters of higanbana blooms can be seen lining rice field paths, riversides, and parks, adding a touch of beauty to the somber and reflective atmosphere of the Autumnal Equinox period.
In conclusion, the Autumnal Equinox Day in Japan is a unique blend of religious observance, cultural tradition, and familial bonding. It is a time to honour ancestors, appreciate nature's beauty, and reflect on the cyclical nature of life and death, making it a deeply spiritual and meaningful occasion.
- During the Autumnal Equinox period, the higanbana or red spider lily blooms, adding a touch of beauty to the somber and reflective atmosphere.
- The Autumnal Equinox Day is a national holiday in Japan, offering an opportunity for people to connect with their heritage and honor their ancestors.
- The Higan period, a seven-day period surrounding the equinox in Buddhism, is a time for spiritual growth and reflection.
