Origin & history
Vernal Equinox Day originated from the ancient Japanese agricultural practice of celebrating the spring equinox as a time of renewal and planting. Its official recognition as a public holiday dates to 1948, under the Law Concerning National Holidays. The holiday's roots are deeply connected to Shinto and Buddhist traditions, particularly the concept of honoring ancestors during the spring and autumn equinoxes, known as Higan. The equinox is seen as a time when the boundary between the living and the dead is thinnest, making it ideal for Buddhist memorial services.
Customs & traditions
Traditionally, families visit cemeteries to clean graves, offer flowers, incense, and food, and pray for their ancestors. This practice is called ohigan. Special foods include botamochi (rice balls with sweetened red bean paste), and in some regions, sushi or sweets. Many also enjoy outdoor activities to appreciate nature's rebirth, such as hanami (cherry blossom viewing when in season). Schools and workplaces are closed, allowing families to gather for meals and reflection.
Why it is celebrated
Vernal Equinox Day celebrates the arrival of spring, symbolizing balance, renewal, and the harmony between light and dark. It is a time to reflect on nature's cycles, express gratitude for life, and honor familial bonds. The holiday encourages a spiritual connection with ancestors and the natural world, aligning with Japan's cultural values of respect for tradition and mindfulness of the changing seasons.