The Mid-Autumn Moon and Moon Viewing Customs

In September, the traditional Japanese event of "Otsukimi" takes place. This custom of admiring the harvest moon is a part of Japanese culture that has been continued since ancient times, and is a special event to enjoy the full moon shining in the autumn night sky.
This time, we will introduce the origins and customs of moon viewing, as well as how to enjoy it in modern times.

1. What is the Mid-Autumn Moon?
The Meaning of the Harvest Moon
The "Chushu no Harvest Moon" refers to the full moon that occurs on August 15th of the lunar calendar, or the moon around that time. This day is called "Chushu" because it is located in the middle of autumn, and the moon is said to look especially beautiful. In the Gregorian calendar, it often occurs between mid-September and early October.

The origin of the moon viewing festival
The custom of moon viewing is said to have been introduced from China, and was established as an imperial court event during the Heian period. At the time, aristocrats enjoyed gazing at the moon from boats and composing waka poetry. This custom then spread to the general public, and is now practiced all over Japan.

2. Moon viewing customs and decorations
Decorate with Japanese pampas grass
It is customary to decorate the moon with Japanese pampas grass during the moon viewing festival. Japanese pampas grass is a symbol of prayers for a good harvest because it resembles ears of rice, and it also has the meaning of warding off evil spirits. By decorating with Japanese pampas grass, people pray for a good harvest and prepare to welcome the moon god.

Tsukimi dango
During the moon viewing festival, it is customary to offer round shaped "tsukimi dango" (moon viewing dumplings). These dumplings are meant to represent the full moon, and 15 dumplings are piled up and offered (usually arranged in three tiers of five). The dumplings represent gratitude to the gods, and after offering them, the family eats them to share in the power of the moon and pray for health and happiness.

The Seven Herbs of Autumn
In addition to Japanese silver grass, the seven autumn herbs (bush clover, bellflower, kudzu, dianthus, lady's mantle, wisteria, and pampas grass) are sometimes used as decorations to enjoy the moon. These plants symbolize the natural beauty of autumn and are used as decorations to enjoy the moon.

3. How to enjoy the moon viewing
Tsukimi Sake
It is also customary to enjoy Tsukimi sake on the night of the moon viewing. Sipping sake slowly while gazing at the moon in the autumn night breeze is a time to enjoy the unique Japanese autumn atmosphere. In particular, enjoying Tsukimi sake with snacks that incorporate autumn flavors will enhance the seasonal feeling.

Enjoy with family and friends
Nowadays, it is common to enjoy moon viewing with family and friends. You can eat dumplings while watching the moon in your garden or on your balcony, or enjoy a picnic-like meal under the night sky. Making moon viewing dumplings together is a great opportunity for children in particular to experience traditional Japanese culture.

Moon viewing event
Many events related to moon viewing are held in various places. For example, at Heian Shrine in Kyoto, a "Moon Viewing Evening" is held, where you can enjoy moon viewing accompanied by gagaku music. Also, at Sensoji Temple in Tokyo, events are held in conjunction with moon viewing, attracting many tourists. By participating in these events, you can experience the atmosphere of traditional moon viewing.

The harvest moon and the custom of moon viewing are traditional Japanese culture that has been passed down since ancient times, and are a precious opportunity to feel the arrival of autumn. By decorating with Japanese pampas grass, offering moon viewing rice dumplings, and enjoying the moon with family and friends, you can feel the change of seasons and spend a spiritually enriching time. You can also experience Japanese culture on a deeper level by participating in events related to moon viewing. We hope you will enjoy moon viewing this autumn.