“Shoman” in 2023 is on May 21 or 22.
According to the fixed-weight method, it is when the solar ecliptic longitude is 60 degrees. According to the equilibrium method, it will be on May 23, about 152.18 days after the winter solstice. From there, about 15 days will be known as “Shoman”.
While “Rikka” had a sense of the season in terms of the environment, such as wind and fresh greenery, “Shoman” is a season that evokes a sense of life, as if all things are gradually growing.
Gradually, heat is added, ears of wheat grow, and plants and trees begin to bear fruit in the mountains. This is also the time when rice planting begins.
Traditional custom (風習)
One of the customs of this time of year is the change of clothes. In schools, June 1 is the official day for changing clothes, symbolizing the change of seasons.
It is also the time of year when the rainy season is approaching. The rain that falls during this season is also called “barley rain,” meaning rain that falls during the barley season. It is also known as “Samidare” (May rain).
Seventy Two Appearances (七十二候)
The 24 seasons each divide three seasons and further express the subtle changes in seasons. These are referred to as the “72 appearances” and were commonly used, especially in agriculture, in ancient Japan and China.
初候 (1st 5days) (Japan） 蚕起食桑 Silkworms eat mulberry actively.
(China） 苦菜秀 Bitter greens grow well.
次候 (2nd 5days) (Japan） 紅花栄 Safflower blooms profusely.
(China） 靡草死 Grasses that grow in rice paddies wither.
末候 (Last 5days) (Japan） 麦秋至 The wheat is ripe and the barley is autumn.
(China） 小暑至 Finally, the heat begins to add up.
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