【24 Solar Terms】
Rikka (Start of Summer)

Rikka (Start of Summer)

Around May 5th to 20th

"Rikka," or the start of summer, is a seasonal period where the entire earth seems to awaken all at once. According to the calendar, summer officially begins on this day.

The sunlight grows stronger each day, and plants stretch rapidly skyward. In recent years, there are already days warm enough to break a sweat, so outer layers seem unnecessary.

Enveloped by the pleasant weather and the scent of fresh leaves, it's a season that makes you want to visit tourist spots.

 

72 Micro-Seasons

Around May 5th to 9th: "Frogs begin to sing."

Frogs awakened from hibernation begin to sing in rice paddies and by the water's edge.

The lively "ribbit, ribbit" echoes through the rice paddies, signaling the impending rice planting season, and at night, it sounds like a chorus under the starry sky. As the small lives of the frogs spring into action, the rice paddies too become full of vitality.

 

Around May 10th to 14th: "Earthworms emerge."

Lured by the warmth, earthworms also appear on the surface of the earth.

The presence of earthworms is said to be a sign of healthy soil. While living quietly underground, they enrich the earth.

 

Around May 15th to 20th: "Bamboo shoots grow."

This is the time when bamboo shoots emerge from the ground in bamboo groves. It's said that by the time they appear above ground, they can grow several centimeters a day, and at their peak, over a meter a day!

Soft and subtly sweet bamboo shoots are truly in season. They appear on dinner tables in dishes like takikomi gohan (mixed rice) and nimono (stewed dishes).

 

Seasonal Delicacies, Events, etc.

During this period, vegetable stalls are stocked with vibrant green ingredients such as fava beans, snap peas, snow peas, and asparagus. Their fresh and slightly bitter taste is exceptional even when simply boiled.

Hatsugatsuo (first bonito) is also in season. Bonito, migrating north in the Pacific, has a light taste before it fattens up, and has long been cherished by people with sayings like "eating the first bonito extends your lifespan."

May 5th is "Tango no Sekku" (Boy's Day). People take shobu-yu (iris baths) and pray for the healthy growth of children. Carp streamers and samurai dolls are displayed, making it a brave and festive event for homes.

 

Summary of "Rikka"

Rikka is a vibrant seasonal period where nature's breathing seems to quicken.

Flowers and plants sprout vigorously, and looking up at the sky, sparkling light pours down.

If you listen closely, you'll hear the sound of wind rustling through the trees, the chirping of birds, and the croaking of frogs intertwining, feeling the entire natural world playing an unseen rhythm.

Why not take a moment in your daily life to stop and deeply savor the scent of fresh leaves and the warmth of the sun?

This is a season for both nature and people to gather strength in preparation for the coming full-fledged summer.