Autumnal Equinox Day 2025 in Japan: What are the reasons for Ohigan and Ohagi? What to do?
One of Japan's traditional events is the national holiday called Autumnal Equinox Day.
Regarding the Autumnal Equinox, which we take for granted,
We will explain in detail the meaning, origin, differences from Vernal Equinox Day, cultural customs, and more.
Basically, this day is an event to express gratitude to Buddha.
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2. What is the difference between Autumnal Equinox Day and Vernal Equinox Day?
~Learn about its role as a national holiday~
4. What is Ohigan?
~Learn about the deep connection to Autumnal Equinox Day and Japanese traditions~
5. Why do we eat ohagi on the autumnal equinox?
~Explanation along with how to make it~
11. Autumnal Equinox Day Customs and How to Spend It ~ [Japanese Culture to Enjoy with Family] ~
What is Autumnal Equinox Day? A thorough explanation of its meaning and origins [Traditional Japanese Events]
-The day when the length of day and night are almost equal, a day to give thanks to nature and offer prayers for ancestors-
Autumnal Equinox Day is a Japanese national holiday that falls around September 23rd every year.
It is known as the day when the length of day and night is approximately equal.
Since ancient times, this day has been considered a special day to give thanks to nature and to offer prayers for ancestors.
The background to the establishment of Autumnal Equinox Day as a national holiday is the "Obon" festival for ancestor memorial services,
It is related to an event to give thanks for the agricultural harvest.
The origin of the Autumnal Equinox Day is based on the Japanese agricultural culture that has continued since ancient times,
This shows that the calendar system based on the movement of the sun is deeply involved.
With this background, Autumnal Equinox Day is not just a national holiday,
It has an important meaning as a traditional Japanese event.
What is the difference between Autumnal Equinox Day and Vernal Equinox Day? Learn about their roles as national holidays
- Autumnal Equinox Day and Vernal Equinox Day. Each has a different meaning and role -
Both the Autumnal Equinox and the Vernal Equinox are days when the length of day and night are roughly equal, but they have different meanings and roles.
Vernal Equinox: Symbolizes new beginnings and celebrates the rebirth of agriculture and nature.
Autumnal Equinox Day: This is a day to mark the beginning of the harvest season, to give thanks to nature, and to offer prayers for ancestors.
These holidays are closely related to the four seasons in Japan.
It serves as a traditional Japanese event based on the rhythm of nature.
The Autumnal Equinox is also called the "middle day of the equinox," and since this period is considered a time to especially honor ancestors, it is given a different significance than the Vernal Equinox.
Detailed explanation of Autumnal Equinox Day events, customs, and cultural practices [A day to give thanks to nature]
-Various events and customs to express gratitude to nature and hold memorial services for ancestors-
Autumnal Equinox Day is a day to give thanks to nature and to offer prayers for our ancestors.
Various events and customs are held all over Japan.
On this day, the "Higan" holiday, many families visit their graves.
Families gather together to spend time honoring their ancestors.
Also, on the autumnal equinox, traditional foods such as "ohagi" are made,
There is also a custom of offering this at Buddhist altars or graves.
Furthermore, in some regions harvest festivals and shrine festivals are held,
An event is held to give thanks for the autumn harvest.
These events and customs have been passed down as traditional Japanese cultural practices since ancient times.
Many people still participate in this today.
What is Ohigan? Learn about its deep connection to the Autumnal Equinox and Japanese traditions
- "Ohigan" is a period for offering prayers to ancestors, held mainly around the autumnal equinox.
The relationship between Ohigan and Autumnal Equinox Day
"Ohigan" is a festival that takes place mainly on the autumnal and vernal equinoxes.
It is a special period for memorial services for ancestors.
The equinox period lasts for a total of seven days, including the vernal and autumnal equinoxes, and three days before and after.
During this time, people hold events such as visiting graves, cleaning Buddhist altars, and making offerings.
The autumnal equinox is considered particularly important as the "middle day of the equinox" when the days and nights are almost equal.
Many people visit the graves of their ancestors on this day to express their gratitude to them.
The word "Ohigan" comes from the Buddhist term "Higan."
It signifies the state of enlightenment that transcends worldly desires.
In this way, the Autumnal Equinox and the Higan period are deeply connected among Japan's traditional events and customs.
Why do we eat Ohagi on the Autumnal Equinox? Here's how to make it
-Why do we eat "Ohagi" on the autumnal equinox? Easy Ohagi-
The custom of eating "ohagi" on the autumnal equinox is one of Japan's traditional customs.
Ohagi is a Japanese sweet made from mashed glutinous rice wrapped in sweet bean paste.
It is made in many homes during the equinox season, which includes the autumnal equinox.
The reason behind this custom is that the red color of azuki beans has been believed to ward off evil spirits.
Ohagi has been used as an offering when holding memorial services for ancestors.
Furthermore, since glutinous rice was a symbol of a good harvest, it also conveys gratitude for the autumn harvest.
The method of making ohagi is simple: cook and mash glutinous rice,
It's just a matter of wrapping it in red bean paste, but making it by hand is an opportunity to spend quality time with family.
By eating Ohagi on the autumnal equinox, we reaffirm our gratitude to nature and our ancestors,
This allows us to pass on Japan's traditional culture to the next generation.
How to visit a grave with your family on the autumnal equinox and what to bring [Japanese event]
-How to prepare and visit the grave. We will also introduce a list of necessary items to bring.-
Autumnal Equinox Day is a particularly important day during the Ohigan period, when many Japanese people visit their ancestors' graves. On this day, families visit their ancestors' graves, clean them, and offer prayers, providing an opportunity to deepen family bonds.
When visiting a grave List of things to bring: Cleaning tools Flowers and Offerings and incense Matches or lighters
It is necessary to prepare the following.
The gravestone is purified with water, weeds are removed, and incense and flowers are offered to express gratitude to the ancestors.
Visiting the grave as a family is not just a custom, but an important event that fosters respect for ancestors.
Through this day, we can reaffirm family ties and continue to preserve Japanese traditions that should be passed on to future generations.
What is the meaning of visiting a shrine on the autumnal equinox? Check out the events and celebrations!
-The reasons and meanings for visiting shrines. Also introduces shrine ceremonies and events held around the country.-
Autumnal Equinox Day is a day to give thanks to nature and respect ancestors, and people visit shrines all over Japan.
The reason for visiting shrines on this day is to give thanks for the blessings of nature and the guidance of ancestors.
Many shrines hold special festivals and events to celebrate the Autumnal Equinox, and local residents participate.
For example, some shrines hold harvest festivals and traditional offering ceremonies, and serve as places to give thanks to the gods for a bountiful autumn harvest.
By participating in events and activities, you can learn about the traditional culture of the region and deepen your bonds with your family and community.
Enjoy the autumn leaves and seasonal autumn scenery on the autumnal equinox [A day spent with nature]
-The perfect time to enjoy the autumn leaves. A day to commune with nature as part of the autumn scenery-
The autumnal equinox is the time when the summer heat begins to subside and autumn can be felt.
Taking advantage of this day to go leaf-peeping with family and friends will create wonderful memories.
Around the autumnal equinox, the mountains and parks are colored in red and yellow, creating a beautiful sight to enjoy.
Not only can you enjoy the autumn leaves, but you can also refresh your mind and body by spending some relaxing time in nature.
You can also combine leaf-viewing with a picnic or hike to fully enjoy autumn nature.
In addition to the autumn leaves, there are many other autumnal sights to enjoy during this time of year.
From enjoying autumnal food to participating in traditional autumn festivals, Autumnal Equinox is a great day to spend with family and friends.
Spending time in nature on the Autumnal Equinox is a great opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy some relaxing time.
A collection of recommended dishes and recipes for the Autumnal Equinox [Let's make Ohagi and traditional dishes]
-Food to enjoy on the autumnal equinox. Make traditional dishes and enjoy them with your family-
On the autumnal equinox, it is common to cook and enjoy traditional dishes with family.
In particular, "Ohagi" is known as a Japanese sweet that is indispensable during the autumn equinox.
●The process of making ohagi is simple; just cook and mash glutinous rice and wrap it in red bean paste. Making it by hand as a family is a great way to spend warm moments at home.
In addition, there are dishes made with seasonal ingredients on the Autumnal Equinox Day.
For example, dishes using autumn flavors such as chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and mushrooms are popular as they evoke a sense of the season.
These dishes are perfect for the autumnal equinox, a day when people give thanks for the blessings of nature and pray for the health of their families.
Cooking is also an opportunity to pass on Japanese traditions and culture to the next generation, so be sure to enjoy it with your family.
Autumnal Equinox Festivals and Events [Introducing Events from Around Japan]
-Enjoy traditional events from all over Japan-
Around the autumnal equinox, various local festivals and events are held all over the country.
Many of these events are held to give thanks for the autumn harvest and celebrate coexistence with nature, and they strongly reflect the traditions and culture of each region.
For example, harvest festivals held at local shrines feature ceremonies to pray for bountiful harvests and rows of stalls selling local specialties, attracting many tourists.
Cultural festivals are also held in various places, where traditional dance and music are performed, allowing local residents to come together and enjoy themselves.
Additionally, local events held around the autumn equinox often offer plenty of family-friendly workshops and activities for children.
By participating in these local festivals and events, you can learn about the history and culture of the region and also feel the arrival of autumn.
Enjoy the Autumnal Equinox Day to the fullest by enjoying events held all over Japan.
Autumnal Equinox Day Customs and How to Spend It [Japanese Culture to Enjoy with Family]
- Introducing the customs and ways to spend the Autumnal Equinox - Enjoy Japanese culture with your family -
Autumnal Equinox Day is a national holiday that has long been loved in Japan as a day to give thanks to nature and to offer prayers for ancestors.
On this day, families engage in traditional customs such as visiting graves, praying at shrines, or spending time in nature.
Visiting the graves of your ancestors, cleaning them and leaving offerings at them, can strengthen family bonds. The autumn equinox also marks the time when the leaves begin to change color, making it a great time to enjoy a family hike or picnic.
Furthermore, it is customary for families to make ohagi at home, offer them at the Buddhist altar, and eat them together. Cooking dishes incorporating autumn flavors is also one of the joys of the autumnal equinox.
By spending the Autumnal Equinox experiencing these Japanese cultural traditions with your family, you can pass on your gratitude to nature and your ancestors to the next generation.
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