“Rittou” in 2023 will be November 7 or 8.
According to the fixed-air method, it will be when the solar longitude is 225 degrees. According to the equilibrium method, it will be November 6, approximately 316.59 days after the winter solstice. From there, about 15 days will be known as “Rittou”.
“Rittou” means the beginning of winter. Although it is still hard to feel, it is the time of year when the first hints of winter begin to appear. The “Rittou” is described in the “Koyomi Handbook” as “the first sign of winter has begun to appear, and it will finally get cold”.
Traditional custom (風習)
Temples and shrines begin to hold fire ceremonies. It is said that this is the time of year when people begin to use fire to prepare for winter.
This is also the time of year when the “Kogarashi” (Strong winter wind) begin to blow. The Japan Meteorological Agency certifies “Kogarashi No. 1” when the wind blows from the north at a speed of 8 m or more.
On Boar’s Day (November 6 in 2023), people eat boar cakes and pray for good health and prosperity of their offspring. The prolific boar has long been considered a creature of good fortune. It is also said that if you open the furnace on this day, you will be less likely to have a fire, and so “kotatsu” (a table with warm chamber) is opened in ordinary homes. Nowadays, with the spread of underfloor heating and air conditioning, “kotatsu” are not so common, but we should not forget the customs of the past.
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) 山茶始開 Camellia japonica begins to bloom
(China) 水始氷 Water begins to freeze.
次候 (2nd 5days) (Japan・China) 地始凍 The earth begins to freeze.
末候 (Last 5days) (Japan) 金盞香 Daffodils bloom.
(China) 雉入大水為蜃 Pheasant goes into the sea and becomes a giant clam.
コメント