READING TIME: 5 MINUTES.

A season rich with tradition

The Japanese lantern plants are adding a seasonal touch to this O-Higan decoration

Today, the 23 of September is the autumnal equinox. Both the vernal and the autumnal equinox are national holiday here. It is believed that during these times of the year, called O-Higan in Japanese when the day and the night are of equal length, our world and the ‘other’ are at the closest to each other thus making it easier to connect with those who have passed. On O-Higan families all over Japan visit their ancestral graves to clean them and honor the family members who have passed with flowers and incense.

O-Higan is a Buddhist tradition observed since ancient times. Literally translated the word means the other shore, hence the celebration of the deceased ancestors. However, the same word is used for nirvana (enlightenment) which in Buddhist teachings is compared to reaching the ‘other shore’. Thus O-Higan is also a time for practitioners to reflect on their lives and to renew their dedication to their practices.

What else to enjoy in early Fall

Bunches of harvested rice drying under the warn autumn sun

To me personally, O-Higan is one of my favorite times of the year. The oppressive summer heat has left and the days are warm and sunny. The newly harvested rice fields are covered with racks with the reaped rice stalks, tided in fat bunches are left to dry. Since all the hard harvesting work is over, it is a time to celebrate and enjoy the abundance of the season. Many neighborhoods hold harvest festivals that are so much fun to attend. Then there is Jugoya – a special day to view the Harvest Moon and enjoy delicious Moon cakes. It is a wonderful season to be in Japan.

The stars of the season

Blooming Higan-bana setting this meadow on fire

Something else I love about this time of the year are the beautiful Higan-bana (literally: equinox flowers) – the bright red spider lilies that line the paths and cover parks and meadows with striking carpets of crimson. There are many places in Tokyo where we can view these beautiful flowers. One of them is on the hill next to the Takahata Fudo temple. You can have a glimpse of the flaming Higan-bana in the video billow. Enjoy!

Makayla