【Koyomi】 August 22, 2024

Shosho: The Subtle Arrival of Autumn

As we transition from the peak of summer into the latter half of August and the early days of September, there's a subtle shift in the atmosphere. Though the days are still warm, there is a noticeable change as the intense heat begins to wane. This period is known as "Shosho," a time when summer quietly starts to retreat, and the early signs of autumn begin to emerge.

処暑：秋の気配が漂う季節

夏の盛りを過ぎ、8月後半から9月初旬にかけて、空気の中に微妙な変化が感じられます。依然として暑い日が続くものの、厳しい暑さが少しずつ和らぎ始める時期です。この時期を「処暑」と呼び、夏が静かに退き、秋の気配が漂い始める頃となります。

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24Sekki｜Shosho
二十四節気｜処暑

The Meaning of Shosho and Its Place in the Season

Shosho is one of the 24 solar terms in the traditional East Asian calendar, specifically falling between late August and early September. The term "Shosho" literally means "the end of heat," signifying the period when the intense summer heat begins to subside. This marks the second of the six divisions of autumn in the traditional calendar. The character "処" (Sho) means "to stop," which reflects the gradual cessation of summer’s heat during this period.

処暑の意味と季節の位置づけ

処暑は、二十四節気の一つで、8月後半から9月初旬にかけて訪れます。「処暑」という言葉は、「暑さが終わる頃」という意味を持ち、夏の厳しい暑さが徐々に和らぎ始める時期を指します。伝統的な暦では、秋を6つに分け、そのうちの2番目にあたる節気です。「処」という字には「止まる」という意味が込められており、この時期に暑さが徐々に終わりを迎えることを象徴しています。

Seasonal Delights: Fruits, Vegetables, and Fish of Shosho

During Shosho, many fruits and vegetables reach their peak ripeness, offering a taste of the early autumn harvest. Grapes and figs are among the seasonal delights that become more readily available during this time. Additionally, the first catches of the season’s Pacific saury (sanma) begin to appear in markets. Though it's still early in the season, these fish are starting to accumulate the rich flavors that will fully develop as autumn progresses. These foods not only reflect the changing seasons but also provide a rich source of nutrients as the body adjusts from the heat of summer to the cooler days ahead.

処暑の頃に味わえる季節の果物、野菜、そして魚

処暑の頃、旬を迎える果物や野菜が豊富に出回ります。ぶどうやいちじくは、この時期に味わえる秋の始まりを告げる味覚として登場します。また、秋の味覚の代表格である秋刀魚（さんま）も、この頃から市場に出回り始めます。まだはしりの時期ですが、秋が深まるにつれて、ますます脂がのり、味わいが豊かになります。これらの食材は、季節の移り変わりを感じさせるだけでなく、夏の暑さから涼しさへと変わる季節の変化に体が順応するための栄養源にもなります。

The First Signs of Autumn: Flowers of Shosho

As the days of Shosho progress, the first hints of autumn become evident in the natural world. One notable flower that blooms during this time is the lily, known for its large, fragrant blossoms in shades of white, pink, and yellow. Lilies are a symbol of this transitional period, standing tall and proud as the summer days give way to the early whispers of autumn. Their strong fragrance and vibrant colors make them a popular choice for floral arrangements during this time, reflecting the blend of summer's end and autumn's beginning.

秋の訪れを感じる処暑の花

処暑が進むにつれて、自然界には秋の訪れを感じさせる兆しが見られるようになります。この時期に咲く花の中で特に目を引くのはユリです。白、ピンク、黄色といった色鮮やかな花を咲かせ、香りの強い大ぶりなユリは、処暑の象徴ともいえる花です。夏の終わりと秋の始まりが混ざり合うこの時期、ユリはその存在感を示し、強い香りと鮮やかな色合いで花飾りに取り入れられることが多くなります。