Shūbun, when day equals night (autumn equinox)

Fifteen years ago, I explained the solar calendar, which is still very much alive in Japan, and intimately linked to the evolution of nature throughout the year.

Today, we’re entering one of the 24 seasons that corresponds to the beginning of autumn and is called Shūbun.

This year, the day falls on September 23. It’s a public holiday in Japan, corresponding to All Saints’ Day, when the Japanese visit the graves of their ancestors.

During this period, the Japanese Amaryllis (or Red Lycoris) blooms and abundantly floods the edges of rice paddies, roads and rivers with its flamboyant red.
In Japan, this flower is called Higanbana, which literally means “flower of the equinox”.
Although the meaning of this flower in Japan is similar to that of our chrysanthemum (which, incidentally, has a different meaning in Japan to ours), I’ve always been fascinated by this flower, not only for its color, but also for its unusual shape!

So it was an opportunity to create a tea box especially for the occasion, the Shūbun tea box, which is limited to 100 numbered copies. For the occasion, we’re giving away 50g of white or black tea! It’s time to treat yourself! 🙂
ATTENTION: This offer and this box will only be available during the Shūbun period, i.e. from September 23 to October 8!

Also check out this peaceful video on NHK World-Japan about Yamato Seasons.