【24 Solar Terms】
Shōsetsu (Minor Snow)

Shōsetsu (Minor Snow)

Approx. November 22nd – December 6th

This is the period when snow begins to flutter. It is read as "shōsetsu," not "koyuki."

It is also the time to start preparing oseibo (year-end gifts) to express gratitude for the year.

 

《72 Micro-Seasons》

Approx. November 22nd – 26th: "Niji kakurete miezu" (Rainbow hides and is not seen)

Approx. November 27th – December 1st: "Sakufū konoha wo harau" (North wind sweeps the leaves)

Approx. December 2nd – 6th: "Tachibana hajimete kibamu" (Tachibana oranges first turn yellow)

Under a hazy, cloudy sky, the sakufū (north wind) blows down the leaves, and citrus fruits turn yellow.

This is the season when citrus fruits like mandarins become delicious. Since they are evergreen plants, they evoke "eternity" and were once said to be fruits of immortality.