【24 Solar Terms】
Winter Solstice (Tōji)

Winter Solstice (Tōji)

Approx. December 22nd - January 5th

Familiar from calendars, the "Winter Solstice" is the time of year when the days are shortest and the nights are longest.

To ward off the continuing cold, people eat nutrient-rich pumpkin and take a yuzu bath, wishing for good health.

In the Arctic Circle, it becomes polar night, and the sun does not appear for 24 hours.

 

《72 Micro-Seasons》

Around December 22nd - 25th: "Natsukarekusa shōzu" (Self-heal sprouts)

Around December 26th - 30th: "Sawashika tsuno otsuru" (Elks shed their antlers)

Around December 31st - January 4th: "Yukikudarite mugi nobiru" (Wheat sprouts under the snow)

The self-heal (utsukusa), which withers in summer, reappears, large elk antlers fall, and wheat sprouts under the snow, awaiting the arrival of spring.

 

In winter, sparrows fluff up their entire plumage to protect themselves from the cold. Due to their plump, round appearance, they are called "fukura suzume" (plump sparrows).

If you see one in town, try comparing it to its summer appearance.