Unveiling Japan's 72 Natural Phases

Unveiling Japan's 72 Natural Phases Across various cultures, the concept of time has been intricately linked with natural phenomena, leading to the development of calendars that reflect the nuances of the changing seasons. While many are familiar with the traditional four-season system, several ancient East Asian cultures, including those of Japan, China, and India, have adopted calendars that offer a more detailed perspective on the passage of time.

For instance, the Japanese calendar, deeply rooted in the observation of nature, divides the year into 24 sekki or seasons, each lasting about fifteen days. This system, originally inspired by the Chinese lunisolar calendar, acknowledges both the phases of the moon and the earth's orbit around the sun.

Within each of the four main seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—there are six sekki, capturing specific natural phenomena such as the emergence of bamboo shoots or the ripening of wheat. These sekki are further subdivided into three ko, resulting in a total of 72 micro-seasons, each lasting around five days.

This level of granularity enables a deeper understanding of the subtle changes occurring in Japan's ecosystems throughout the year. From the gentle breezes that signal the arrival of spring to the frosty landscapes of winter, each micro-season corresponds to a tangible event in the natural world, fostering a profound connection between people and their environment.

While the traditional Japanese calendar fell out of widespread use with the adoption of the Western Gregorian calendar in the late 19th century, certain groups, such as farmers and fishermen, continue to honor its observations alongside the modern calendar. By attuning themselves to the micro-seasons, individuals can cultivate a heightened awareness of the world around them, finding beauty and significance in the ever-changing rhythms of nature.

In the intricate tapestry of Japan's seasonal rhythm, the calendar unfolds into a mosaic of 72 micro-seasons, each encapsulating a fleeting moment in the natural world.

As spring begins to stir, the east wind arrives, gently coaxing the ice to melt (Risshun). Soon after, the mountains echo with the melodic chirping of bush warblers, marking the awakening of life (Usui). Down below, fish emerge from their icy slumber, signaling the earth's reawakening (Risshun).

With the onset of rainwater (Usui), the soil is moistened, and mist begins to linger, shrouding the landscape in a delicate haze. Grass sprouts, and trees bud, painting the scenery with fresh hues of green (Usui). Meanwhile, insects, dormant throughout the cold months, surface from their slumber, heralding the beginning of a new season (Keichitsu).

As spring reaches its equilibrium at the vernal equinox (Shunbun), sparrows diligently begin to nest, while cherry blossoms burst forth in a flurry of delicate petals. The distant rumble of thunder echoes through the air, a prelude to the changing seasons (Shunbun).

Pure and clear (Seimei), the world welcomes the return of swallows, as wild geese embark on their northward journey. Across the sky, rainbows grace the heavens, casting their vibrant hues upon the earth (Seimei).

As grain rains (Kokuu) descend, reeds sprout from the earth, and the last vestiges of frost melt away. Peonies bloom, their vibrant colors a testament to the changing seasons (Kokuu).

With the advent of summer (Rikka), frogs serenade the night with their melodious songs, while worms emerge from their underground retreats. Bamboo shoots pierce through the soil, reaching for the sun's warm embrace (Rikka).

In the lesser ripening (Shoman) of summer, silkworms feast on mulberry leaves, and safflowers bloom in a riot of colors. Across fields, wheat ripens, ready for harvest (Shoman).

As the summer solstice (Geshi) passes, self-heal withers, and irises bloom in vibrant hues. The crow-dipper, a herald of summer, sprouts its first delicate leaves (Geshi).

In the midst of lesser heat (Shosho), warm winds caress the land, and lotus blossoms unfurl their petals. Hawks take flight, mastering the summer skies (Shosho).

With the arrival of greater heat (Taisho), paulownia trees bear seeds, while the earth is damp, and the air humid. Great rains sometimes fall, replenishing the land (Taisho).

As autumn beckons (Risshu), cool winds blow, and evening cicadas sing their melancholic melodies. Thick fog descends upon the landscape, veiling it in mystery (Risshu).

In manageable heat (Shosho), cotton flowers bloom, and the summer's intensity begins to wane. Rice ripens in golden hues, ready for harvest (Shosho).

With the arrival of white dew (Hakuro), grass glistens with moisture, and wagtails bid farewell with their melodic songs. Swallows take flight, embarking on their southward journey (Hakuro).

At the autumn equinox (Shubun), thunder ceases, and insects retreat underground. Farmers prepare for the coming harvest, draining fields in anticipation of the changing seasons (Shubun).

With the onset of cold dew (Kanro), wild geese return, and chrysanthemums bloom in a riot of colors. Crickets chirp softly, their song a harbinger of autumn's arrival (Kanro).

As frost falls (Soko), the first frost blankets the earth, and light rains occasionally fall. Maple leaves and ivy transform into vibrant shades of yellow, signaling the changing seasons (Soko).

Winter's embrace (Ritto) begins with the blooming of camellias, while the land gradually succumbs to frost. Daffodils brave the cold, their vibrant blooms a testament to nature's resilience (Ritto).

In lesser snow (Shosetsu), rainbows hide from sight, and the north wind rustles the leaves from the trees. Tachibana citrus tree leaves begin to turn yellow, heralding winter's arrival (Shosetsu).

As greater snow (Taisetsu) descends upon the land, cold sets in, and bears retreat to their dens for hibernation. Salmon gather, preparing to embark on their upstream journey (Taisetsu).

At the winter solstice (Toji), self-heal sprouts, and deer shed their antlers in preparation for the coming winter months. Wheat quietly sprouts under a blanket of snow, a promise of renewal (Toji).

In lesser cold (Shokan), parsley flourishes, and springs thaw, releasing the land from winter's icy grip. Pheasants call out, heralding the gradual return of warmth (Shokan).

As greater cold (Daikan) sets in, butterburs bud, and ice thickens on streams. Hens begin to lay eggs, a sign of life amidst the winter chill (Daikan).