Microseason: Northern Winds Sweep Foliage

WINTER

EARLY SNOW

NORTHERN WINDS SWEEP FOLIAGE

27 November - 1 December

When cold Northern winds begin to blow, fallen leaves dance along the earth’s floor. Engaging all of our five senses: seeing, feeling, hearing, touching, and evening smelling all at once. It’s a sign that clouds will be pushed away, making for sunnier skies ahead. In Japan, Winter is associated to blue skies.

Deep sakufu winds blow from the Sea of Japan, delivering snow across the mountains. And those winds turn into dry karra winds thereafter, blowing fallen leaves before moving into the Pacific Ocean. Fallen leaves blend into the earth, where they decompose and serve as nutrients for upcoming Spring flora.

Fallen leaves are affectionately called nozomi leaves, or leaves of great expectation. Across the country, we take part in a quiet study of leaves during the season. Noting the subtle differences in shades and textures. Nozomi leaves served as a swatch book for textile dyes come Spring. Relishing in the exciting possibilities that await.

Some of the colors within the Japanese color palette are named after the hues of decaying leaves, such as usukuchiba (pale withered leaves), kikuchiba (yellow withered leaves), akakuchiba (red withered leaves), aokuchiba (blueish withered leaves), and noukuchiba (dark withered leaves). These colors are brilliant examples of the Japanese sense of time, and appreciation for cyclicality.

Photo credit: Momoko Nakamura