Microseason: Wheat Grows Under Snow

WINTER

WINTER SOLSTICE

WHEAT GROWS UNDER SNOW

31 December - 4 January

Even during this time of year when snow falls more densely in the mountains, and as a whole the world quiets, there is always energy of rebirth and new beginnings. Traditionally, 30th December is called Kotsugomori (Small Moon Hides) and 31st December is Ohtsugomori (Big Moon Hides). According to the Solar Calendar, the new moon always falls on the last day of every month.

Preparation for New Years begins around 13th December. Deep cleaning is meant to be complete by the 29th December. Kadomatsu mark the gates of homes where the gods are welcome to stop by, Shimekazari adorn the front door to properly greet them as they enter, and Kagamimochi are the thrones atop which they can rest during their visit. By the 31st December we have prepared osechi to enjoy across Sanganichi (Three Days of the New Year), and dine on soba as our last warm meal of the year.

All of these gestures require traditional Japanese materials. They include: pine and urushi trees, kouzo, mitsumata, and gampi grasses, asa hemp, rice straw, mochi rice, daidai citrus, soy beans, eggs, daikon, carrots, burdock and lotus roots, soba, koji mold, bonito, and sardines. Without them, we lose the language that is this gesture. Which is essentially our expression of gratitude to the natural world, and our acknowledgement that we are gracious participants of this ecosystem.

May we always be able to pay such respect.

Photo credit: Momoko Nakamura