It has been Indian Summer here in UK however it feels that the autumn has already arrived. According to a calendar it is the autumn season.

This time I introduce one of Japanese events in September. It is called Tukimi (月見) or Jyugoya （十五夜）. This year’s Jyugoya was yesterday 21st September.

What is the Tukimi 月見・Jyugoya　十五夜?

Tukimi (月見）means moon -viewing. Also known as jyugoya. These are Japanese festivals honoring the autumn moon.

Jyugoya (十五夜) meanings,

A variant of the Mid-Autumn Festival. The celebration of the full moon typically takes place on the 15th day of the eighth month of the traditional Japanese calendar; the waxing moon is celebrated on the 13th day of the ninth month. These days normally fall in September and October of the modern solar calendar. by Wikipedia

And 「an event for moon-viewing」. At old time it was held on 15th of August.

The origin

Tukimi was influenced by a Chinese festival called Mid-Autumn Festival and originated during Heian period This is the Japanese tradition of holding parties to view harvest moon.

The Origin of Tukimi and a rabbit

When we talk about Tukimi, a rabbit is always associated as a set. Why is it a rabbit? Why the Japanese have a image of a rabbit doing moch pounding .もちつき

The origin of Tukimi and a rabbit are two.

1. Came from the story of 「The rabbit of the moon /Tuki no usagi (月の兎）in the konjaku Monogatari at Heian preiod.
2. Because lunar crater’s pattern looks like a rabbit doing mochi pounding.

What do the Japanese do at the Jyugoya?

MAKE A TUKIMI DANGO (月見団子）

DISPLAY FLOWERS

The flowers which can be displayed – 「Seven fall flowers」

It has been said that it will take 15 days for new moon to become a full moon. Specially the full moon in autumn is clear and splendid. Displaying lovely flowers and viewing a magnificent full moon is the way to spend nights. Normally, Susuki (ススキ) is the one to be displayed but at old times there were other flowers to be displayed too. Here I introduce them together with language of flowers.

At old times between July and September was thought to be the autumn season so some flowers are seen in summer time.

「SUSUKI・ススキ」

Energy, life energy

「HAGI・ハギ」

Thought, feeling.

「KIKYO・キキョウ」

Unchnged love, faithful, dignity

「NADESHIKO・ナデシコ」

Innocent, pure love, chastity

「KUZU・クズ」

Strength, efforts、perseverance

「OMINAESHI・オミナエシ」

Beautiful person, kindness, fleeting love

「FUJIBAKAMA・フジバカマ」

Kind memories, hesitation

I was planning to view the full moon last night and due to hectic night I totally forgot to do so. What a pity! Did you view the beautiful full moon?

Thank you for dropping by.