[24 Solar Terms] Vernal Equinox (Shunbun)

Vernal Equinox (Shunbun)

Approx. March 20 - April 3

Around this time, day and night are of equal length. It is one of the more well-known of the twenty-four solar terms as it is also a public holiday.

Cherry blossoms, a symbol of spring, begin to bloom, and spring truly arrives. It's also graduation and entrance ceremony season.

《Seventy-Two Microseasons》

Approx. March 20-24: "Sparrows start to nest" (Suzume Hajimete Suku)

Approx. March 25-29: "Cherry blossoms first open" (Sakura Hajimete Hiraku)

Approx. March 30-April 3: "Thunder is heard" (Kaminari Sunawachi Koe wo Hassu)

Sparrows begin to build their nests, cherry blossoms open, and distant thunder, a precursor to welcome rain, rumbles.

 

Field horsetail (tsukushi), which grows wild throughout Japan, is in season during this period.

Why not try enjoying its simple flavor in a stew or tempura?