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Vernal Equinox Day | Annual Events

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Vernal Equinox Day | Annual Events

What is the Vernal Equinox? When is it in 2025? What to do? Its meaning and history


As spring begins to take hold in March, there is an annual national holiday called Vernal Equinox Day .

On this day, when I went to visit my grandparents,
I can imagine delicious botamochi being prepared, the smell of incense, and the sound of bells ringing.

On this page, we would like to introduce in detail the history, meaning, origin, manners, events, etc. of Vernal Equinox Day.

If you found this helpful, I would appreciate it if you could share it.

If you would like to know more about other annual events, customs, and festivals in Japan,

" Learn more about annual events in traditional Japanese culture "


Vernal Equinox


---- table of contents ----
Click below to jump



1. The origin and history of the Vernal Equinox : the background to the holiday that honors nature


2. The difference between the Vernal Equinox and the Autumnal Equinox : A thorough comparison of the significance of the two holidays


3. Traditional events held on the Vernal Equinox : ways to enjoy the time with your family


4. What to eat on the Vernal Equinox : Botamochi and its origins


5. Visiting graves on the Vernal Equinox and its meaning : Ancestor worship and the connection with nature


6. Astronomical Background of the Vernal Equinox ~ Vernal Equinox and Seasonal Changes ~


7. Rebirth of Nature and Life on the Vernal Equinox : A Custom Celebrating the Cycle of Life


8. Starting a new habit on the Vernal Equinox : A way of thinking for living in harmony with nature


9. The relationship between the Vernal Equinox and the Higan - Buddhism and the custom of ancestral worship -


10. Regional customs on the Vernal Equinox : Introducing ways to celebrate in different regions


11. Astronomical comparison of the Vernal Equinox and the Autumnal Equinox ~ Understanding the change of seasons ~


12. Summary: Tips for enjoying the Vernal Equinox : As a day to celebrate nature and life


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What is the Vernal Equinox? Explaining its origin and unknown history

The Vernal Equinox is one of Japan's 24 solar terms, and is the day when the length of day and night are roughly equal .

This day has been designated as a national holiday and is known as "a day to praise nature and cherish living things."

The origin of the Vernal Equinox date back to ancient China, and it has been used in Japan since the Heian period.

Additionally, the Vernal Equinox marks the middle day of the Buddhist Higan period, and it is common for people to visit the graves of their ancestors to offer prayers for their loved ones .

This custom reflects Japanese culture's emphasis on harmony with nature and also has deep historical significance.






A comprehensive guide to the dates and determination of the 2024 and 2025 Vernal Equinoxes

The vernal equinox in 2024 will be on March 20th, and the vernal equinox in 2025 will be on March 20th.

The date of the vernal equinox is determined each year based on astronomical calculations .

At the beginning of each year, the National Astronomical Observatory calculates the moment when the sun's ecliptic longitude is 0 degrees, and designates that day as the vernal equinox.

The date falls on March 20th or 21st due to the Earth's revolution and rotation, and varies slightly from year to year.

As a result, the Vernal Equinox is officially announced in the Official Gazette every year, and its status as a national holiday is determined.






What to do on the Vernal Equinox? A special guide to fun things to do with the whole family

The Vernal Equinox is a great opportunity to spend some time with your family in nature.

It is generally known as a day to visit graves and offer prayers for ancestors.

It is also customary to eat botamochi on the Vernal Equinox, and it is a good idea to enjoy a traditional meal with your family on this day.

We also recommend going to a park or a place rich in nature and having a picnic while enjoying the arrival of spring.

Try spending the Vernal Equinox away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and cherishing time in nature and with your family.






What is the meaning of Vernal Equinox? Explore Japan's nature-honoring holiday

Vernal Equinox Day is a national holiday in Japan, designated as a day to respect nature and cherish living things .

On this day, the days and nights are of equal length, symbolizing balance in nature.

The Vernal Equinox also marks the start of agricultural work, and has long been considered an important day for praying for good harvests .

Even today, this day is a time to feel connected to nature and to reaffirm the preciousness of life.

The Vernal Equinox provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the importance of coexisting with nature.






Know the Difference Between Botamochi and Ohagi: Savor the Taste of a Vernal Equinox Tradition

The "Botamochi" eaten on the vernal equinox and the "Ohagi" eaten on the autumnal equinox are actually the same food .

"Botamochi" comes from the peony flower in spring, while "ohagi" comes from the bush clover flower in autumn.

Botamochi is typically made with smooth bean paste and resembles a peony flower, while ohagi is typically made with whole bean paste and is smaller, resembling a bush clover flower.

On the Vernal Equinox, by offering these botamochi to remember your ancestors , you will be able to feel the change of seasons together with your family.





Vernal Equinox


The middle day of the equinox, the Vernal Equinox: The meaning and origin of visiting graves

The Vernal Equinox, the middle day of the Higan period , has a special significance in Buddhism.

This day is said to be the day when this world and the other world are most easily connected, and it is customary to visit graves on this day.

In Buddhism, it is believed that by offering prayers to the Western Pure Land on this day, one can go to the Pure Land .

This day is an opportunity to give thanks to the spirits of one's ancestors and reflect on one's own life, and it is cherished as a day when all families visit the graves and hold quiet memorial services .






A thorough comparison of the differences between the Vernal Equinox and the Autumnal Equinox: A look into the background of these holidays

The Vernal Equinox and the Autumnal Equinox are both days when the length of day and night is equal , and are one of the 24 solar terms.

The Vernal Equinox is a day to respect nature and celebrate the start of agricultural work .

On the other hand, the Autumnal Equinox is positioned as a day to give thanks for the harvest and celebrate the change of seasons.

Another thing they have in common is that both days are the middle day of the Buddhist equinox, and both are times when memorial services for ancestors are held.

In this way, the vernal and autumnal equinoxes are important holidays that express gratitude to the seasons, nature, and ancestors.






Paradise and the Vernal Equinox: The deep connection between Buddhist teachings and the Vernal Equinox

The Vernal Equinox also has a special meaning in Buddhism and is closely connected to the Pure Land .

In Buddhism, it is recommended to pray towards the Pure Land in the west, and as the sun sets due east to due west on this day, it is considered an ideal day to offer prayers to the Western Pure Land .

This day is also the middle day of the equinox, a day when families gather together to honor their ancestors and pray for their journey to the Pure Land .

Through these Buddhist teachings, the Vernal Equinox takes on a deeper spiritual meaning.






What is the Vernal Equinox? Understanding the Vernal Equinox from an Astronomical Perspective

The vernal equinox is the moment when the sun crosses the celestial equator and is the basis for the vernal equinox.

This astronomical phenomenon marks the day when day and night are of equal length as the vernal equinox.

The vernal equinox is an important point in the Earth's orbit and rotation, and from this day onwards the days become longer in the Northern Hemisphere , signaling the arrival of spring.

With this astronomical background, the Vernal Equinox is also a day when we can feel the rhythm of nature and the universe.






Vernal Equinox and Nature: Introducing Japanese Customs Celebrating the Rebirth of Life

The Vernal Equinox is a day to celebrate the rebirth of life and has long been rooted in Japanese customs.

On this day, when nature begins to sprout as winter comes to an end, it is also a day to pray for a good harvest .

Going outdoors with your family and enjoying the arrival of spring is part of the Japanese custom of valuing the seasonal changes.

This day is also a great opportunity to enjoy interacting with nature , such as spotting new plant buds.

Feel the power of nature and the breath of life throughout the Vernal Equinox.






What should you eat on the Vernal Equinox? A thorough explanation of the difference between botamochi and ohagi

"Botamochi" eaten on the vernal equinox and "ohagi" eaten on the autumnal equinox are named after flowers that bloom in that season .

Botamochi is named after the peony that blooms in spring and is usually made with smooth red bean paste.

On the other hand, ohagi is made with bean paste filling, a reference to the bush clover that blooms in autumn.

Botamochi is made with smooth bean paste, is large and round like a peony flower, and is considered a symbol of spring.

Ohagi are small and oval in shape, named after the bush clover flower, and are eaten during the autumn harvest season.

This difference reflects the seasonal feeling of spring and autumn, and symbolizes Japan's food culture that is in harmony with nature.

On the Vernal Equinox, it is important to offer botamochi to ancestors and take the time to deeply feel its meaning.





Vernal Equinox


Summary: Why we respect nature and living things on the Vernal Equinox and what the importance of it is

The Vernal Equinox is an important day to reaffirm our respect for nature and living things .

On this day, we can feel the rebirth and harmony of life through the natural turning point when day and night are of equal length.

It also has a deep significance as a day to honor ancestors, and is a day to strengthen ties within families and communities.

Throughout the Vernal Equinox, we are taught the importance of coexistence with nature and are called to apply this to our daily lives.

Let's use this holiday as an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of nature and life.





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