September 23 is the Autumnal equinox day
Hi I’m Nobu, I like traveling overseas and in Japan, visited 25 countries!
I’m a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of English for 8 years.
For the people who are interested in and planning trip to Japan ,
I show you hidden local information which you have never seen and heard of through books and ordinary site!
You will find unexpected fun through my articles!
September 23
September 23 is the Autumnal equinox day , Higan in Japan.
It’s when people usually visit the graves of their ancestors.
It is the day when the day and night are the same length and the sun rises in the true east and sets in the true west.
It is believed that this setting of the sun in the true west is connected with the Buddhist idea of the Pure Land in the west.
Higan, the Other Side of the Shore
The word “Higan” is originally a Buddhist term that refers to the state of enlightenment, the state in which one has attained the state of freedom from worldly desires.
Vexation is any mental action that troubles, disturbs, troubles, and pollutes the mind and body, and thus obstructs enlightenment.
Furthermore, across the Sanzu River, the world we live in is called Shigan , and the world of the Buddha on the other side is called Higan.
In other words, the other shore is the world where we have reached the state of enlightenment.
Also it’s a world free from vexations that cause us to wander and suffer, the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
Ancestor Worship
This idea is connected to our ancient Japanese customs, view of nature, and the custom of worshipping our ancestors.
A word was born to describe the Shigan, the world in which we live, and the Higan, the world of the Buddha, or the world in which we have reached the state of enlightenment.
The period called “Higan” is actually not established in other Buddhist countries.
It’s strange although it is influenced by Buddhism.
It is also a uniquely Japanese custom to make offerings to ancestors.
Ohagi Japanese sweets
It is customary to eat Ohagi on this day.
Ohagi is a Japanese sweet treat consisting of rice cakes wrapped in sweet red bean paste.
Eating Ohagi while remembering one’s ancestors.
It is a very Japanese custom.
Ohagi is sold in many places convinis, supermarkets, departments.
Why don’t you try Ohagi in Japan?
I’m Nobu, one heart enjoy together!!!