“What Is Japan’s Autumnal Equinox Day?”
September brings two public holidays to Japan: Respect for the Aged Day and the Autumnal Equinox Day, or Shūbun no Hi.
What is this special day all about?
Let’s explore its meaning, history, and how people celebrate it.
What is the Autumnal Equinox Day? A Blend of Astronomy and Tradition
The Autumnal Equinox Day is the day when the sun rises exactly in the east and sets exactly in the west. It’s also when day and night are almost equal in length. This astronomical event, which happens only twice a year during the spring and autumn equinoxes, symbolizes the balance of nature.
Legally, this day is defined as a time to “respect ancestors and remember the deceased.”
It’s a day when many Japanese families visit graves and pay respects at their family altars.
Originally, this day was a state ritual called Shūki Kōreisai, a festival held at the Imperial Palace to honor the spirits of past emperors and royalty.
After World War II, it was redefined as a public holiday.
This change shows the flexibility of Japanese culture, shifting from a national ceremony to a day meaningful to everyone.
Why Does the Date Change? Understanding the Equinox
While the Autumnal Equinox Day typically falls around September 23rd, the exact date is not fixed.
The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan determines the precise date of the equinox based on the sun’s movement.
This date is then officially decided by the government cabinet in February of each year.
Although most years see it on September 23rd, a leap year or other astronomical factors can sometimes cause it to fall on September 22nd.
Higan: A Deep Connection to the Equinox
The Autumnal Equinox Day is also the middle day of Higan—a Buddhist period of seven days.
Higan literally means “the other shore” and refers to the world of enlightenment (paradise), in contrast to Shigan or “this shore,” which represents our world of suffering and worldly desires.
During the equinoxes, the sun sets directly in the west, the direction believed to lead to the Pure Land.
This alignment makes it a perfect time for ancestor worship.
This tradition is so ingrained in Japanese culture that there’s a saying, “Atsusa Samusa mo Higan made,” meaning “The heat and cold last only until Higan.”
This period marks a true transition in seasons, and for many generations, it was a time for farmers to pray for a good harvest.
The tradition of honoring ancestors and giving thanks to nature became deeply intertwined.
Traditional Foods and Celebrations
A key part of the Autumnal Equinox celebration is enjoying Ohagi, a sweet rice ball covered in red bean paste.
This treat is offered to ancestors and shared among family members.
While ohagi is eaten in the autumn, the same sweet is called botamochi in the spring.
The names are derived from the seasonal flowers: hagi (bush clover) in autumn and botan (peony) in spring. Red beans are believed to ward off evil spirits, making them a perfect offering.
These sweets are not only delicious but also carry symbolic meaning tied to the seasons and spiritual beliefs.
Whether families make their own ohagi or buy it from a traditional sweets shop, this food tradition connects people to the changing seasons and their family history.
Honoring Nature and Family
The Autumnal Equinox Day is more than just a day off.
It’s a time to pause and reflect on the changing seasons and the blessings of nature.
It offers a chance to honor the lives of those who came before us and to feel a deeper connection to the cycle of life.
Perhaps a quiet moment to honor those who came before, or simply to feel the shift in the air.
How will you spend this year’s Autumnal Equinox Day?
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