Spring brings night cherry blossoms, summer brings stars, autumn brings full moons, and winter brings snow. That’s enough for delicious sake. If it still tastes bad, it’s a sign that something within you is troubled

"Spring brings night cherry blossoms, summer brings stars, autumn brings full moons, and winter brings snow. That’s enough for delicious sake. If it still tastes bad, it’s a sign that something within you is troubled."

— A quote from Seijuro Hiko in "Rurouni Kenshin."

In the twenty-four solar terms, the period from September 22 to October 7 is called "Shubun" (Autumnal Equinox).

There’s a saying, "The heat and cold last until the equinox," but this week, temperatures have exceeded 30°C every day, reaching a high of 36°C in Tokyo today, September 20.

The "Autumnal Equinox" is a day when the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, with day and night being nearly equal in length, similar to the "Vernal Equinox."

The "Autumn Equinox" refers to the seven days around the equinox, including the day itself and the three days before and after.

September 22, "Autumnal Equinox Day," is a day to honor ancestors and remember those who have passed away.

… The important calendar is partially missing… … The remaining moons will hold a grand funeral… … To the melody played by the mourning band… … November will be carried high and gently away…

… As the chrysanthemums wilt away with their leaves… … Beside the bloodstained ground where the crimson-eyed lie… … Still, your superiority remains unshaken… … Even if your remaining limbs are halved…

… Let’s enjoy the intermission… … It’s fine to look for new companions… … If you’re heading somewhere, go east… … Surely you’ll meet the one you’re waiting for…

If you’re a fan of "Hunter x Hunter," hearing about honoring the deceased will likely evoke these words.

"Autumnal Equinox Day" originated from a ritual called "Shuki Koreisai."

"Shuki Koreisai," established as a public holiday in 1848, was a court ritual held every year to honor the spirits of past emperors, empresses, and royal family members.

After the end of the war, in 1948, "Shuki Koreisai" was abolished and replaced with "Autumnal Equinox Day" as a national holiday.

The seasonal foods for the "Autumn Equinox" are: 1) ohagi (sweet rice balls) 2) grapes 3) taro.

1. In Buddhism, the "Autumnal Equinox Day" and "Vernal Equinox Day," when day and night are nearly equal, are considered the days when this world (shikan) and the other world (higan) are closest. In Japan, there is a custom of eating ohagi on "Autumnal Equinox Day."

This custom became popular in the late Edo period due to its auspiciousness and nutritional value, continuing to this day.

The rice and azuki beans used in ohagi are considered "auspicious items," and have been cherished as food for "Autumnal Equinox Day" since ancient times.

Rice is associated with prayers for "abundant harvest," while the red color of azuki beans is believed to have "protective effects against evil spirits," which is why they are offered to ancestors.

The sugar used in ohagi was once a luxury item. Therefore, in times when sweetness was scarce, ohagi could only be enjoyed on special occasions.

Azuki beans are rich in quality "protein," "iron," "zinc," and "potassium," making them a nutritious food that has been consumed from ancient times to the present.

1. Grapes are a fruit loved worldwide.

Their history is very ancient, with cultivation dating back to around 4000 B.C. in the ancient Orient and Persia.

From there, they spread to China via the Silk Road, eventually reaching Japan.

Grapes are believed to have arrived in Japan during the Nara period.

Feeling sluggish can often be due to a lack of energy.

As the term "grape sugar" suggests, grapes are ideal for energy replenishment.

Grapes are rich in "polyphenols."

You might have heard that moderate wine consumption is good for health; this is due to strong antioxidant properties found in grape skins.

Varieties like "Kyoho" contain "anthocyanins," a type of polyphenol effective for eye health.

1. Taro grows with child tubers surrounding the parent tuber.

Thus, taro symbolizes "bountiful harvest and prosperity of descendants," and has been consumed by the Japanese since ancient times.

Taro has a long history, having been eaten since the Jomon period.

Before rice cultivation began in Japan, taro was once a staple food for the Japanese.

Taro is rich in "potassium," which helps eliminate excess "sodium" that can cause swelling.

Furthermore, its unique slimy texture protects the stomach lining and helps maintain a healthy intestinal environment.

The two crucial elements that make food delicious are:

1. Being hungry.

2. Savoring seasonal ingredients.

By enjoying seasonal foods, let’s nourish our hearts and bodies, and keep moving forward in life today!