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Humility is an important virtue in
Japan, so Japanese people tend to be modest when talking about themselves, but
ask them about the charms of Japan’s four seasons and you will likely receive
a very enthusiastic response. The beautiful way that the seasons unfold in Japan—and
the deep appreciation with which Japanese regard these changes—has spawned
many events that allow people to delight in the special joys of each season.
One example is the springtime ritual of hanami, when people across the country
flock to parks to admire the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms. In autumn, Japanese
partake in another seasonal observance called momiji-gari.
The word momiji is comprised of two characters |
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©GYRO PHOTOGRAPHY /
amanaimagesRF / amanaimages |
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meaning “red” and “leaves,” while
gari refers to “hunting.” While momiji-gari literally translates
as “red leaf hunting,” people partaking in momiji-gari head out on
excursions to admire autumn leaves of all colors—red, yellow and orange.
The origins of momiji-gari date back
more than a thousand years. In the Heian period (794-1185), Japanese nobility
marveled over autumn leaves and matched wits by describing their beauty as part
of poetry competitions. Near the ancient capital of Kyoto, Emperor Saga (786–842)
hosted banquets on boats where guests could revel in the splendor of autumn foliage.
Over time, events like this spread and developed into regular seasonal observances.
By the Edo period (1603-1868), the custom of momiji-gari had spread throughout
Japanese society.
Kyoto and Nikko are two popular destinations for momiji-gari, but because Japan
is a very mountainous country, with many deciduous trees, the beauty of autumn
can be readily enjoyed all across the country. |
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