What is Shunbun no Hi? The Japanese Spring Equinox Holiday Explained

Spring is a season of renewal, and in Japan, the arrival of spring is marked by a special national holiday called Shunbun no Hi (春分の日), or the Spring Equinox Day. This day is celebrated every year around March 20th or 21st, when the length of day and night is almost equal. But what makes this day so important in Japan? Let’s explore the meaning, history, and how people celebrate it!

1. The Meaning and Significance of Shunbun no Hi

Shunbun no Hi is officially defined as a day to “honor nature and cherish living things”. It is one of Japan’s national holidays and is deeply rooted in both astronomical events and traditional beliefs.

Astronomically, the spring equinox occurs when the sun passes over the equator, making day and night nearly equal in length. It symbolizes the transition from winter to spring, bringing warmer weather, blooming flowers, and new beginnings.

2. Historical and Cultural Background

The origins of Shunbun no Hi can be traced back to Shunki Kōreisai (春季皇霊祭), a traditional imperial event that honored past emperors and ancestors. Before World War II, it was primarily a religious occasion centered around Shinto and Buddhist rituals. However, after the war, it was established as a secular national holiday in 1948.

Despite its official secularization, many Japanese people still observe traditional customs related to ancestor worship and seasonal transitions.

3. How Japanese People Celebrate Shunbun no Hi

Unlike festivals with grand parades or fireworks, Shunbun no Hi is a more spiritual and nature-focused holiday. Here are some common ways people observe this special day:

1) Visiting Family Graves (Ohigan お彼岸)

Shunbun no Hi is part of Higan (彼岸), a Buddhist period that occurs twice a year (during the spring and autumn equinoxes). Many Japanese families visit the graves of their ancestors, clean the tombstones, and offer flowers and food such as botamochi (ぼたもち, sweet rice cakes covered with red bean paste).

2) Appreciating Nature

Since this holiday celebrates the beauty of nature, people often enjoy outdoor activities such as:

• Hanami (花見, cherry blossom viewing)

• Walking in parks and gardens

  

   

3) Eating Seasonal Foods

Traditional foods associated with Shunbun no Hi include:

• Botamochi – A sweet rice cake that symbolizes protection and good fortune.

• Spring vegetables – Fresh produce like bamboo shoots and wild greens are enjoyed as a symbol of new life.

  

4. How is the Spring Equinox Celebrated in Other Countries?

Japan is not the only country that recognizes the significance of the spring equinox. Around the world, different cultures celebrate this seasonal change in unique ways:

• Iran: Nowruz, the Persian New Year, marks the beginning of spring and is celebrated with festive gatherings and traditional meals.

• Mexico: At Chichén Itzá, a famous Mayan pyramid, a special shadow phenomenon occurs where the sunlight creates the illusion of a serpent slithering down the steps.

• India: Holi, the festival of colors, coincides with the changing seasons and celebrates the victory of good over evil.

5. Conclusion

Shunbun no Hi is a beautiful reflection of Japan’s appreciation for nature, family, and tradition. Whether visiting ancestors’ graves, admiring cherry blossoms, or enjoying seasonal foods, this holiday serves as a reminder to embrace the beauty of life’s transitions.

Even if you’re not in Japan, you can celebrate the spring equinox by spending time outdoors, appreciating nature, or learning about different cultural traditions. How do you welcome the arrival of spring in your country?

Happy Shunbun no Hi! 🌸