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The 24 solar terms “light snow” quietly announce that winter is coming

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2024/11/22 04:58 Weather News

In the second half of November, the number of cold days increases. That’s not surprising. In this case, koyuki is called “shosetsu”.

Although there are many areas where it has not snowed yet, news of snow is coming one after the other from the countries and the northern mountains.

Light snow is the season that silently signals the arrival of winter. Let’s take a closer look at Koyuki.

“Konoha Shigure” – Feeling that winter is coming when the leaves fall

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There is a saying that reminds us of the Koyuki days: “Konoha Shigure” (pronounced “Konohashigure”). This is a word that compares the falling leaves of a tree to a shower of rain.

Shigure is rain that falls periodically from late autumn to early winter.

“water of time” is written as “Sigure.” Some may think it is a strange word.

There are several theories about the etymology of Shigure.

A common theory is that the word “shigure” comes from the word “gaguru” and it means passing water.

Another theory is that he changed from “darkness for a while”. When it rains even for a short time, it will be dark for a while. With that, this theory makes some sense.

Many people love the atmosphere and sound of Shigure and compare it to different things.

For example, “semi sigure” refers to the sound of many cicadas, and “mushi sigure” refers to the sound of many chirping autumn insects, which are compared to the sound of the a whistle

And “Konoha Shigure” compares the falling leaves of a tree to a rainy day.

The leaves of the trees fall in my memory when the winter came. Those words also make me want to have that kind of peace of mind.

What other seasons do you see light snow?

The 24 solar terms “light snow” quietly announce that winter is coming

The season when the wind flowers (kazabana) dance

The expression “Fuka” refers to the snow that falls like petals on a sunny day, or the snow that flickers when the wind starts blowing in early winter.

It is interesting that there are words for snow that do not use the characters for snow, even though it is snow. Perhaps it came to be known as “Faze Flower” because it looks like pale flower petals dancing in the wind.

Our ancestors believed that there was life in the wind, flowers, and even snow, and perhaps they named it out of love for the dancing snow.


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Kotatsu Neko and Kajikeneko will appear!?

In general, cats do not like the cold.

The nursery rhyme “Yuki” sung by the Ministry of Education contains the following words.

Snow and Konko Hail and Konko
Even if it’s raining or it’s raining, it still won’t stop raining
The dog is happy to run around the garden
The cat curls up under the kotatsu

The difference between dogs and cats is interesting. There is even a word called “Kotatsu Neko”.

Another type of cat, “kajikeneko,” is a cat that is cold and cold. The cat itself may be cold, but to humans, a curvy cat is cute.

Niinamesai and Labor Thanksgiving Day

Niinaa is said to be a variation of “Ni-no-ae” (new festival). A feast is a ritual in which the emperor offers a feast of freshly harvested grain to the gods, and the emperor himself eats it. It has been used since ancient times.

After the adoption of the solar calendar, Niinamesai was decided to be held on November 23. In addition to the Imperial Palace, Niiname-sai will be held on November 23 at shrines across the country.

Since 1948, November 23 has become a national holiday as Labor Thanksgiving Day. It is a day not only to give thanks for the harvest of new grains and agriculture, but also to honor hard work, celebrate production, and give thanks to one another.

As “Konoha Shigure” shows, light snow is also a season for falling leaves. It might be a good idea to take a walk along the path colored with yellow, brown and red fallen leaves and enjoy the progress of the seasons.

» Weather forecast for today/tomorrow up to 2 weeks ahead

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Director / Keiko Yamashita: Writer. Books like “24 Seasons and 72 Seasons’ Notebook” (Seibido Publishing) and “72 Seasons of Japanese Beauty” (PHP Institute) use the Japanese calendar as a subject to explore the beauty of Japanese language and words. . He wrote many books.
Photo: Weather Report (posted from the Weather News app)

Reference materials etc.

2024-11-21 19:58:00
#solar #terms #light #snow #quietly #announce #winter #coming

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Here are two PAA (Prepare, Analyze, Argue) related questions⁤ based on the provided text:

## Open-Ended Discussion Questions Based on the Article:

**Seasonal ‍Changes and ‌Nature:**

* The article highlights⁤ the arrival of “light snow” and its correlation with the start of winter. How do ⁣changes in weather, like the first snowfall, influence our perception of time and ⁤the passage of the year?

* The author​ mentions “Konoha Shigure,” a term for “light snow falling on leaves.” What ⁣are some other evocative terms or metaphors used to describe seasonal changes in your⁣ culture or language?

* What ‌personal memories or emotions come to mind when you think of the first snowfall?

**Cultural Significance and Traditions:**

* The article discusses Niinamesai and Labor Thanksgiving Day. Why is it important to⁢ remember and celebrate agricultural traditions and the value ⁢of hard work?

* The ⁢text mentions “Kotatsu Neko” and “kajikeneko,” depicting⁢ different attitudes cats have towards cold weather. What other cultural examples can you think of that show the human⁣ tendency to anthropomorphize animals?

* How are traditional holidays or celebrations evolving in your society? Are there any new⁤ customs emerging to reflect changing values and lifestyles?

**Language ⁤and Words:**

* The author, Keiko Yamashita, focuses on the “beauty‍ of Japanese language and words” when ​exploring the changing seasons. What ‍are some examples of words or phrases in your own language ⁤that vividly depict natural phenomena or evoke strong emotions?

* How does​ language shape our understanding and appreciation of the world around us? Can you ‌think of any⁤ instances where understanding⁢ a different language has deepened ⁣your appreciation‍ of another culture’s traditions or perspectives?

**Personal Reflections:**

* The article encourages a reflective approach to observing seasonal changes. How do you personally take time to notice and appreciate the subtle shifts in⁤ nature throughout the year?

* What are some⁤ ways you incorporate ‌seasonal awareness ​into your daily life or creative pursuits?

* Do you feel a connection to the natural world? How ‍does observing changes in seasons influence your mood or ⁤outlook on life?

These questions aim to spark engaging discussions and encourage participants to share their⁣ unique perspectives on topics related to ⁢the article.

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