Tsukimi 月見

September 21, was “Chu-shu no meigetsu”, which is actually August 15 on the lunar calendar. A full moon on that day occurs only once every eight years. Niigata was a fine day and one of the best places for moon viewing in Japan. “Chu-shu” means the middle of autumn and the moon looks the most beautiful at that time because the air is so clear in that season.

Japanese people have a custom of displaying Japanese pampas grass and dumplings on that day to show appreciation and pray for a good harvest. Pampas grass is also displayed because it resembles rice before harvesting and it is believed to expel evil spirits. Round dumplings represent the moon.

Nowadays, there might be few people who keep up the tradition in their modern busy lives. However, the desire to enjoy the moon and the clear, resfreshing autumn air has not changed.

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