Microseason: Grains Ripen

AUTUMN

HEAT BREAKS

GRAINS RIPEN

2 - 6 September

Grains Ripen is the last microseason of Heat Breaks. This time of year, I have come to observe the landscape evolve from monotone green, to one that is graced with golden hues. This view serves as a reminder myself to yudaneru. It has become a sort of annual ritual.

Yudaneru is a compound character: rice stalk + woman. A verb that encompasses sentiments that include “to yield”, “to trust”, and “to allow”.

委

This time of year, rice stalks begin to arch downward toward the earth. It is said that this shape mimics a woman curled over. At first thought, the imagery of such a curved figure may feel warn or frail. But I am quickly reminded that rice grains swell at the highest section of the plant, and it is the weight of these burgeoning seeds that causes the stalk to bow.

The curvature is not a result of weakness at all. In fact, the shape exhibits yielding to the earth due to its great abundance. Rice leans in toward the earth as a testament to its absolute power, servicing an entire island country as perhaps the most iconic staple material. It is food and fertilizer, construction material for the home, and clothing to keep safe from harsh weather. Similarly, a woman’s curled body reveals that she has fully nourished a child in the womb. She services humanity as the foundation of life.

Often we are best placed to give in. Rather than attempting to control every aspect of every outcome, there is always a certain level of yudaneru that is required in the mix. This is clear in the food system, such as in agriculture and fermentation. Human decision making is involved, but we must also yudaneru to the movement of the rest of the natural world too. We are not here alone.

This microseason serves as a yearly reminder from our ancestors to trust that yielding might just allow for the most abundant outcome.

Photo credit: Momoko Nakamura