Introduction

A full moon floats in the night sky. People all over the world gaze upon the moon, but in Japan, there has long been a beautiful custom known as "Otsukimi," a special celebration of the moon. This event, which involves not only simply viewing the moon but also offering pampas grass and rice dumplings to give thanks for the blessings of the season, symbolizes Japan's rich view of nature and spiritual culture. In this article, we will delve deeper into the history of Otsukimi, how to enjoy it, and the essential items for Otsukimi.

1. The History of Moon Viewing

Moon viewing is said to have originally been a Chinese custom that was introduced to Japan during the Heian period (794-1185). At the time, aristocrats would float boats, drink sake, and enjoy elegant banquets while admiring the moon reflected on the water's surface. Later, during the Edo period (1603-1868), the custom of moon viewing spread to the common people as well. People began to hold moon viewing as an event to give thanks to the moon for bringing them bountiful harvests and to celebrate the harvest.

2. "Mid-Autumn Moon" and "Thirteenth Night"

There are two days when the moon is said to be particularly beautiful during the moon viewing festival.

Mid-Autumn Moon

When talking about moon viewing, many people first think of the Mid-Autumn Festival. This refers to the moon on the night of August 15th on the lunar calendar, when the sky is said to be the clearest and most beautiful of the year. On this day, people not only gaze upon the moon, but also make offerings to express their gratitude for the harvest.

Thirteenth night

The moon that appears on the night of September 13th on the lunar calendar, about one month after the harvest moon, is called the "Thirteenth Night." Since ancient times, it has been considered bad luck to only view one of the moons, and it has been believed that those who admired the harvest moon should also admire the moon on the thirteenth night. While the harvest moon was introduced from China, the Thirteenth Night is said to be a custom unique to Japan.

3. Essential items for moon viewing

To make the moon viewing even more special, there are several offerings and decorations, each with its own meaning.

Tsukimi Dango (Moon Viewing Dumplings)

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Tsukimi dango are round rice dumplings shaped like the moon, and are an essential part of moon viewing. These dumplings are shaped like rice grains, and are meant to express gratitude for the harvest and a wish for a good harvest in the coming year. White dumplings are piled up like a pyramid and offered as an offering.

Japanese silver grass

It is customary to decorate the moon viewing area with Japanese pampas grass. Because Japanese pampas grass resembles rice ears, it is considered a symbol of a good harvest. It is also believed that the sharp cut edges of Japanese pampas grass have the power to ward off evil spirits.

Potatoes and fruits

  To express gratitude for the harvest, people also offer vegetables and fruits that are in season at that time, such as taro, persimmons, and chestnuts. Because taro is especially offered, the moon viewing is also called "imomeigetsu" (sweet potato harvest moon).

4. How to enjoy the moon viewing

How is moon viewing enjoyed in modern Japan?

Moon viewing at home

The most common way is to decorate a window or garden at home with offerings and gaze at the moon, enjoying a relaxing time with family and friends, eating moon-viewing dumplings and drinking hot tea.

Moon viewing event

Events are held all over Japan to coincide with the moon-viewing festival. Historic temples and gardens hold special nighttime viewings (yakan haikan) to coincide with the festival, and moon-viewing concerts are also held.

Introducing restaurants that serve delicious dumplings

・IPPUKU dumplings

https://tenposstar.com/ja/merchant/64be499724ec3

・Katsuragi An Sabo: A set of chewy and hearty mitarashi dango and matcha tea https://tenposstar.com/ja/merchant/66f42070bfa

summary

Japan's "Otsukimi" festival is not just about viewing an astronomical phenomenon, but is an event packed with Japanese spiritual culture, expressing gratitude to nature and cherishing time spent with family and loved ones.

By offering moon-viewing dumplings, Japanese pampas grass, and the bounty of autumn, we are reminded of the abundance of nature and cultivate a sense of gratitude for our daily lives.

The next time you have a chance to visit Japan, be sure to look up at the autumn night sky. And if possible, buy some moon-viewing dumplings and experience the traditional Japanese moon-viewing. It will surely be an unforgettable memory.