What the Autumn Season Means for Japanese People
Unlike the Western education systems, most Japanese schools commence the second semester in September. September also marks the beginning of the autumn season. The temperature and the humidity start to decrease and many people find peace of mind in engaging in quieter activities.
There is a widely-known phrase in Japan known as ~の秋 (autumn of ~) — insert autumn-appropriate events and pastime activities in the ~. The fact that no other seasons have this phrase is worth a mention. I’m going to introduce you to some of the common autumn ‘themes’ people look forward to.
Many people associate autumn with a big appetite. It is believed that people have increased level of appetite when the weather is not as hot as it was in the height of summer. Autumn season also offers a range of unique and often exclusive produces and dishes — such as さんま (saury fish — also written as 秋刀魚 (autumn sword fish)), chestnuts, matsutake mushrooms, pears, persimmons, sweet potatoes and gingko nuts.
Although a good book can be enjoyed throughout the year, it is believed that autumn is specially a great time for reading. It is said that this idea originates from the Chinese poet Han Yu — who in one of his poems read that autumn nights are calm and comfortable in temperature, therefore perfect for reading by the candlelight. Most Japanese schools set a reading week between late October to November, during which they encourage their pupils to visit the libraries more often and read more books.
You may have figured out by now that Japanese people find great comfort and relief when the temperature lowers and becomes stable in autumn — it is for the same reason that engaging in athletic activities are heavily encouraged during this time of the year. Most Japanese schools host their sports day in September and there’s even a ‘Day of Sports’ national holiday on the second Monday of October.
There are many more activities that can fit the phrase ~の秋 (autumn of ~) — such as arts, productivity, 紅葉 (leaves changing colour) and sleeping, to name a few. So here’s the important question — what’s your autumn going to be?
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