[The 24 Solar Terms] Keichitsu (Awakening of Insects)

Keichitsu (Awakening of Insects)

Around March 5th to 19th

This is the time when creatures that have been sleeping underground during the long winter awaken.

Both animals and plants begin to actively thrive in the cheerful breeze.

《72 Microseasons》

Around March 5th to 9th: "Sugomori mushi to wo hiraku" (Hibernating insects open their doors)

Around March 10th to 14th: "Momo hajimete saku" (Peach trees begin to bloom)

Around March 15th to 19th: "Namushi chō to naru" (Caterpillars become butterflies)

This is the time when hibernating creatures awaken, peach blossoms bloom, and pupae clinging to leaves take flight as beautiful butterflies.

In ancient times, "to bloom" was expressed as "to smile." The slowly opening peach blossoms indeed look like they are smiling.

 

One of the fish in season during this period is "sayori" (halfbeak).

As written in its kanji "細魚" (slender fish), it has a long, thin body, and its season is from March to May. It is a high-class ingredient used in sushi and tempura. At celebratory occasions, it is sometimes served in a clear soup with kombu broth, where its long body is tied into a knot.