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The First Day of Spring (Vernal
Equinox)
USA
vs.
Japan
March 19, 2003
(modified 040320)
USA
March 21, the vernal equinox, is fast approaching.
But, we don't get a day off for this day.
As some calendars in the
US
indicate, this day
is the “First Day of Spring” in the
US
.
Also, Spring Break is around this time.
After this break students will go back to school and finish the school
year in May or June.
February 2: See the photo of "groundhogs” (woodchucks) < http://www.hoghaven.com
> On this day Americans watch the groundhog (an animal) emerge from his
burrow after hibernation. Tradition
says that his behavior forecasts when spring will arrive. Accordingly,
February 2nd or February 2nd + 6 weeks is a sort of start of spring in the
US
.
Details are in Our Letter < www.exploreamerica.info/what_letter_English_23_S_10_012803_groundhog_day.htm
>.
By the way, Groundhog Day doesn't sound glamorous or modern (Oops! Sorry
this might be a stereotype), but it is an interesting facet of American life.
It looks like this day originated from a European tradition. Note: As for
Minnesota
, spring will come
in April or May. L
Japan
On March 21, the Vernal Equinox day,
Japan
has a national
holiday. It’s also intriguing that
at least both countries recognize this day as a special day.
February
4: In Japan, the first day of spring
is February 4, “Ritsu-Shun.” As
for
Japan
, February 3rd, a
day before Ristu-shun, there is "Setsubun." Setsubun Day is
celebrated by throwing roasted soybeans inside and outside the house while
saying, "Welcome good fortune! Go away, Demons!" By the way,
these roasted soybeans taste good. On
that day some adults of certain ages, like 42 year old men, go to a shrine to
pray for getting rid of bad luck while dropping small money, usually wrapped in
paper, in the shrine court. Kids can
pick up the money on the ground. Setsubun
shows another side of the Japanese too, doesn't it?
All cultures have interesting traditions, don't they? Also, the first day
of spring in
Japan
is February 4,
while in the
US
it would be
February 2. Only two days separate
the two countries. One of the
reasons why early February became the first day of spring may be due to the fact
that those who live in the Northern hemisphere are getting tired of winter by
early February.
Info. about the vernal equinox
<
http://www.spub.ksu.edu/ISSUES/v100/SP/n104/fea-leaphistory-web.html
>
Newsletter 38 (Japanese)
Newsletter List
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