Japanese traditions and customs flourishing in the season of Minor Snow: A journey through the 40 solar terms.　Twenty-four Solar Terms and Seventy-two Pentads

Japanese traditions and customs flourishing in the season of Minor Snow: A journey through the 40 solar terms.　Twenty-four Solar Terms and Seventy-two Pentads

Hello, I’m Kasumi. I’m on a journey exploring the beauty and deep meanings of Japan’s twenty-four solar terms. This time, I’m focusing on the season of “Minor Snow” (Shōsetsu), when the cold gradually intensifies. I aim to unravel its customs, history, origins, and the characteristics it presents across different regions of Japan. From the meaning of Minor Snow to its impact in modern times, I’ll share detailed insights about the charm of this beautiful solar term, interweaving experiences from my travels. I hope to share with you the discoveries I’ve made during my journey, as well as the unique customs and history of each of Japan’s seasons.

The Meaning of Minor Snow

Minor Snow and the 40 solar terms

Minor Snow (Shōsetsu) is one of the 40 solar terms and a period deeply connected with Japan’s nature and culture within the cycle of the forty-eight seasonal segments. Specifically, it refers to late November, marking an important transition from autumn to winter. True to its name, Minor Snow signifies the time when “light snow begins to fall,” and in this period of increasing cold, you can see snow that heralds the change of seasons in various parts of Japan.

Customs and History of Minor Snow

Historically, Minor Snow has been considered the time to conclude agricultural work and start preparations for winter. The people of Japan have always been keen observers of the seasonal changes, adjusting their lives accordingly. During the Minor Snow period, preparations for winter, such as gathering firewood and reconfirming methods of food preservation for the coming cold, were carried out in alignment with the natural rhythm. Additionally, during this time, events expressing gratitude for the harvest, such as the Niiname-sai (New Rice Offering Festival), where newly harvested rice is offered to the mountains, are held in various places.

The Modern Significance of Minor Snow

In modern times, although the direct connection to agricultural work has faded, the period of Minor Snow remains a beloved time for experiencing the seasonal transitions of Japan. For example, the cold winds and the reports of the first snowfall that come during this time signal the beginning of preparations for the end of the year. Also, regions start preparing winter illuminations, creating customs unique to the present day that let people feel the essence of Minor Snow.

From My Experiences

Traveling around Japan, I’ve felt a unique tranquility during the Minor Snow period, along with a sense of anticipation for something new to begin. Particularly in areas along the Sea of Japan, winter preparations intensify around the time of Minor Snow, and you can see the increased activity of those involved in the fishing industry. Similarly, in mountainous areas, the appearance of hikers beginning their preparations for winter mountain climbing upon the arrival of Minor Snow has reaffirmed to me that the Japanese live in harmony with the natural rhythm.

The period of Minor Snow is an excellent time to experience the transition of seasons in Japan. Through my travels, I hope to share with more people the beauty of this season’s transition and help them feel the depth of Japan’s nature and culture.

Regional Characteristics and Modern Impacts of Minor Snow

Landscapes of Minor Snow across Japan

During the period of Minor Snow, various landscapes can be seen throughout Japan. In Hokkaido and the Tohoku region, some areas already start to accumulate snow, truly feeling the arrival of winter. Meanwhile, in regions like Kanto and Kansai, snowfall may not yet be seen, but the chill of morning and evening becomes more severe, signaling the approach of winter. In Kyushu and Okinawa, where the climate remains relatively warm, one can still enjoy the remnants of autumn during the Minor Snow period.

Regional Customs of Minor Snow

Depending on the area, unique customs exist for the Minor Snow period. For example, in some parts of Hokkaido, preparations begin for welcoming the gods of winter, including purifying the inside of homes and making special decorations. In mountainous areas like Nagano Prefecture, the arrival of Minor Snow marks the start of preparations for winter mountain climbing, as well as traditional practices for food preservation and home winterization in anticipation of the cold season.

The Influence of Minor Snow in Modern Times

In modern life, the period of Minor Snow sees preparations for winter across various places. Many households begin changing their wardrobes, and supermarkets and department stores start to prominently display winter clothing and cold-weather gear. Also, this time sees a focus on winter ingredients in cooking, with restaurants and homes preparing seasonal menus.

Minor Snow and Modern Climate Change

The impact of climate change has led to noticeable differences in the weather during the Minor Snow period, with some regions experiencing delayed snowfall, affecting agriculture and tourism. However, regions are adapting flexibly, creating new customs and events in response. This approach of leveraging traditional wisdom while incorporating new lifestyles serves to add fresh nuances to the landscapes and customs of the Minor Snow period.

From My Experiences

In the regions I visited, I could strongly feel the local character during the Minor Snow period. Particularly striking was the way entire communities begin winter preparations upon the arrival of Minor Snow, with each household readying for the colder season. Even as climate change presents challenges, the creativity in utilizing these changes to foster tourism events and new food cultures demonstrates great potential. The Minor Snow period, rich in change within the Japanese seasons, has shown me how the attitude towards enjoying these transitions is passed down as wisdom in Japanese life.

Traditional Japanese Events Related to Minor Snow

Traditional Events during the Minor Snow Period

With the arrival of Minor Snow, various traditional events take place throughout Japan. These events symbolize the Japanese way of living in harmony with nature and reflect the culture that cherishes the changes of the four seasons.

Niiname-sai (New Rice Offering Festival)

One of the most famous events is the Niiname-sai, where the Emperor offers the newly harvested rice to the gods to pray for national peace and the prosperity of the five grains. Held on November 23rd, this event expresses gratitude for the crops harvested during the season of Minor Snow and wishes for the abundance of the coming year. Niiname-sai is a traditional Thanksgiving festival in Japan, widely recognized as a national holiday.

Shichi-Go-San

November also marks the celebration of Shichi-Go-San, a festival to pray for the healthy growth of children aged three, five, and seven. Children visit shrines dressed in colorful kimonos, and it is common to see families taking commemorative photos. Shichi-Go-San is a traditional event during the Minor Snow period that particularly emphasizes family bonds.

Customs Associated with Minor Snow

The period of Minor Snow also involves unique household customs to prepare for winter. For example, some families prepare yuzu for yuzu baths as a preparation for the winter solstice, and others make efforts to keep their homes warmer to fend off the cold. Additionally, this time is used to prepare preserved foods to enrich the winter dining table, such as pickles and dried foods.

From My Experiences

Traveling across Japan, I have deeply felt the beauty of the seasons and the depth of the culture that cherishes them, especially during the Minor Snow period through traditional events and customs. Events like Niiname-sai and Shichi-Go-San have provided a glimpse into the rich culture woven by Japanese traditions and the modern era, making for a profoundly memorable experience. The Minor Snow period is filled with events celebrating gratitude towards nature and family bonds, allowing one to feel the traditions and culture alive in the Japanese way of life.

Experiencing these traditional events and customs helps us deeply understand the transitions of the Japanese seasons and nurtures a heart that cherishes them. The events held during the Minor Snow period are not just annual customs but play an essential role in connecting Japanese nature, culture, and people’s hearts.

Japanese Landmarks and Experiences to Enjoy During Minor Snow

Desired Destinations in Japan During the Minor Snow Season

During the Minor Snow period, Japan is home to beautiful spots that herald the arrival of winter. Here are some highly recommended places to enjoy the unique atmosphere of this season.

Kinkaku-ji (Kyoto)

In Kyoto, Kinkaku-ji’s golden exterior shines even brighter against the cold air during Minor Snow. Surrounded by gardens that may still hold autumn leaves, the temple occasionally welcomes the first snow, offering a quintessential winter scene in Japan.

Shirakawa-go (Gifu)

The village of Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture, known for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses, becomes even more enchanting with the first snowfall of Minor Snow. The illuminated houses during the night in the snowy landscape seem almost otherworldly.

Zao Snow Monsters (Yamagata)

As Minor Snow arrives, the formation of frost-covered trees, known as “Snow Monsters,” begins on the Zao mountain range in Yamagata Prefecture. The mystical beauty of these early ice formations, combined with skiing or snowboarding, makes for a unique natural experience.

Recommended Experiences During Minor Snow

Hot Spring Trips

Japan boasts numerous hot springs, and visiting them during Minor Snow is an excellent way to alleviate the winter chill and rejuvenate both body and mind. Bathing in an open-air bath while enjoying the snowscape is a luxury unique to this season.

Enjoying Winter Delicacies

Minor Snow is also the season when winter delicacies such as crab and yellowtail become abundant. Enjoying seasonal cuisine at a ryokan or restaurant that uses local ingredients is highly recommended.

From My Experiences

The landmarks and experiences I’ve encountered during Minor Snow are among the most memorable in the Japanese seasons. The brilliance of Kinkaku-ji, the fantastical scenery of Shirakawa-go, and the mystique of Zao’s Snow Monsters are beauties that photos and words can hardly convey. Moreover, enjoying hot springs and winter tastes deepens the appreciation of Minor Snow’s charm.

The period of Minor Snow in Japan is not merely a cold season but an excellent opportunity to enjoy beautiful landscapes, traditional events, and seasonal flavors. Traveling through Japan during this time allows you to experience the beauty of Japanese culture and nature from a new perspective.

The Influence of Minor Snow as a Symbol in Japanese Culture

Integration of Minor Snow with Japanese Culture

The period of Minor Snow represents a symbolic season deeply rooted in Japan’s nature, culture, and the lives of its people. The impact of this solar term on Japanese culture extends beyond merely marking the change of seasons, profoundly affecting Japanese sensibilities, values, and lifestyles. Through Minor Snow, Japanese people keenly sense changes in nature and cherish them in their daily lives.

Minor Snow in Literature and Art

In Japanese literature and art, the season of Minor Snow has been a significant theme. Many works of classical literature, such as waka and haiku, include references to Minor Snow, delicately expressing the transitions of the seasons. Ukiyo-e and Japanese paintings capturing the scenery of Minor Snow have played a role in conveying the unique beauty of Japanese winters to the world. These works demonstrate how the season of Minor Snow has deeply influenced Japanese aesthetics and views of nature.

Minor Snow and Lifestyle Culture

Various events and customs during the Minor Snow period have a significant impact on Japanese lifestyle culture. For example, the arrival of Minor Snow, signaling the onset of winter, prompts households to start preparing their heating systems and winter preparations. This reflects how Japanese households adjust their lives according to the seasonal changes, living in harmony with nature. Additionally, cuisine using ingredients harvested during the Minor Snow period is passed down as part of Japan’s food culture that values seasonality.

From My Experiences

Traveling throughout Japan, I have felt the cultural impact of Minor Snow in many aspects. Touching on different regional customs welcoming Minor Snow, unique food cultures of the period, and literary and artistic works that evoke the season, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the richness of Japanese seasons and the people’s heart that cherishes them. The season of Minor Snow is an incredibly attractive time when Japanese nature, culture, and people’s lives come together as one.

The season of Minor Snow marks the approach of winter and significantly influences Japan’s nature, culture, and the lives of its people. Traditional events, seasonal food culture, and literary and artistic works of this season symbolize the beauty of Japan’s changing seasons. Through Minor Snow, we can see how the Japanese have nurtured a culture and values that coexist with nature and cherish the transitions of the seasons. By enjoying and understanding the profound meaning of Minor Snow, we can deeply appreciate the richness of Japanese nature and culture.

Summary and Reflections

The Charm of Japanese Seasons and Minor Snow

My name is Kasumi, a travel WEB writer journeying across Japan. Through this blog, I’ve delved deep into the season of Minor Snow, exploring its meaning, history, customs, characteristics across various regions, and its modern-day impacts. Minor Snow marks the prologue to winter, embodying a unique beauty and significance amid the changing Japanese seasons. My journey around this season has been an opportunity to deepen my understanding of the Japanese way of life, traditions, and culture in harmony with nature’s rhythm.

My Journey and Discoveries

Traveling through all 47 prefectures of Japan, the season of Minor Snow has offered me some of the most heart-stirring experiences. The serene beauty of Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto, the fantastical scenery of Shirakawa-go in Gifu, and the mystical allure of the Snow Monsters in Yamagata are quintessential to the Minor Snow season. These experiences have made me appreciate the richness of Japan’s natural beauty and its deeply cherished culture.

Learning about Japanese Culture and Lifestyle from Minor Snow

The season of Minor Snow significantly influences Japanese traditional events, food culture, literature, and art. Events like Niiname-sai and Shichi-Go-San are precious opportunities to express family bonds and gratitude towards nature. Literary and artistic works symbolizing Minor Snow showcase the Japanese’s delicate aesthetic sense. Through these, one can learn about the Japanese wisdom and heart in embracing nature’s changes and incorporating them into daily life.

Gratitude and the Desire to Share from the Journey

This journey has deepened my gratitude for the endless charm of Japanese seasons and the people who cherish them. The season of Minor Snow is a special time deeply rooted in Japan’s nature, culture, and people’s lives, and I am eager to share its beauty and significance with many. I hope this blog serves as an inspiration to appreciate the allure of Minor Snow and enjoy the Japanese seasons more deeply.

Feeling and cherishing the changes of the seasons in our daily lives nurture a rich heart and lifestyle. Through the season of Minor Snow, rediscovering the Japanese culture of living in harmony with nature and passing it on to future generations is a vital role we hold.

Kasumi Points

Hokkaido: Winter Scenery to be Experienced Early

Prefecture: Hokkaido

Kasumi Point: In Hokkaido, the period of “kosetsu” often arrives earlier compared to other regions, and it’s not uncommon for snowscapes to spread out already in November. Hokkaido during this time offers a prime opportunity to experience the charm of winter in advance. Particularly noteworthy are the magnificent landscapes crafted by nature with snow and ice, which evoke profound emotions as they herald the beginning of winter for visitors.

Nagano Prefecture: Mountains Covered in Snow and Hot Springs

Prefecture: Nagano

Kasumi Point: In Nagano Prefecture, as the season of light snow arrives, the mountains welcome their first snowfall, signaling the onset of winter. During this time, as preparations for winter progress, hot spring resorts become particularly enticing. The snowscapes viewed from open-air baths offer a luxurious experience unique to the light snow season, ideal for refreshing both the body and mind.

Kyoto Prefecture: Traditional Events and Remnants of Autumn Foliage

Prefecture: Kyoto Prefecture

Kasumi Point: In Kyoto, during the period of early snow, the beauty of autumn leaves lingers, heralding the arrival of winter alongside numerous traditional events. Particularly at Kyoto Imperial Palace during this time, the Niiname-sai festival is held, allowing visitors to experience the history and traditions of the ancient capital. Historic shrines and temples in Kyoto also offer the opportunity to enjoy autumn leaf viewing in the gentle climate of early snow, creating unforgettable experiences for visitors.

Gifu Prefecture: Shirakawa-go’s Gassho-style Houses and the First Snow

Prefecture: Gifu Prefecture

Kasumi Point: In Shirakawa-go, Gifu Prefecture, the arrival of the first snow on the Gassho-style houses creates a fantastical landscape. This season in Shirakawa-go blends the snow-covered traditional architecture with the natural beauty signaling the arrival of winter, offering a unique experience to visitors. When illuminated at night, the atmosphere becomes even more magical, making it a symbol of winter’s beauty in Japan.

Yamagata Prefecture: The Frost Covered Trees of Zao

Prefecture: Yamagata Prefecture

Kasumi Point: In Yamagata Prefecture’s Zao, as the light snow season progresses, frost-covered trees gradually begin to form. Visiting Zao during this time allows one to witness the natural artistry of frost-covered trees. The landscape of mountains dotted with these trees evokes the onset of winter and the power of nature, and can be enjoyed alongside winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.

These regional characteristics demonstrate how the light snow season reveals a different charm and beauty across various parts of Japan. In my travels to these places, I deeply felt the seasonal transitions woven by Japan’s nature and culture. The light snow season is an excellent opportunity to savor the beauty of Japan’s four seasons, rediscovering a life in harmony with Japanese traditions and nature.