March Equinox
March 20, Thursday
Date of celebration
Spring Equinox Day is celebrated annually around March 20 or 21. The exact date depends on astronomical calculations, so it can vary slightly each year.
History of the holiday
The holiday has deep roots in Japanese culture and is connected to Buddhist and Shinto traditions. It was officially recognized as a national holiday after World War II in 1948 under the legislation on national holidays.
Significance of the holiday
Spring Equinox Day in Japan is intended to:
* express respect for nature and its renewal;
* honor ancestors and loved ones who have passed away;
* reflect on harmony, balance, and the value of life;
* provide an opportunity for rest and family gatherings.
Traditions of celebration
On this day, Japanese people traditionally:
* visit and care for family graves;
* clean cemeteries and bring flowers and incense;
* spend time outdoors, enjoying the beginning of spring;
* organize family gatherings and peaceful walks.
Interesting facts
* The holiday coincides with the start of the plum blossom season and the first cherry blossoms.
* Spring Equinox Day is part of Japan’s traditional “seasonal holidays” (sekki) that mark the changing of seasons.
* Many Japanese use this day as an opportunity for personal renewal and setting new goals.
Spring Equinox Day in Japan is a day of harmony with nature, respect for ancestors, and reflection on life, helping people prepare for new beginnings with the arrival of spring.