Canadian Thanksgiving in 2024 is on Monday, October 14th, right?
The stars of Canadian Thanksgiving are likely “turkey” and “mashed potatoes,” right?
Did you know that Japan has a similar day to celebrate the autumn harvest?
In Japan, around mid-October, there is an event called 〝OTSUKIMI” (moon viewing).
Although the early autumn in Japan is often marked by typhoons and rainy days, the season known a〝Chūshū” (mid-autumn) falls between autumn and winter.
During this time, cool, dry air from the continent flows in, resulting in clear skies, making the moon appear especially beautiful.
In ancient times, the upper class would host moon-viewing banquets, composing poems and admiring the moon in a refined manner.
Later, this tradition spread to the common people, many of whom were farmers, and became associated with harvest festivals.
People would gaze at the moon as a symbol of abundant crops, offering their thanks and prayers.
The origin of moon-viewing lies in the importance of the moon’s phases to daily life and agricultural activities.
The waxing and waning of the moon came to symbolize the cycle of planting and harvesting, and this day became one of giving thanks for the fruits of labor.
It also became a day to remember and honor ancestors, linking the idea of life’s continuity to the moon’s cycle.
During moon-viewing, people prepare offerings such as DANGO (rice dumplings), SUSUKI (pampas grass), and harvested vegetables.
The DANGO are round, like the moon, and eating them is believed to bring health and happiness.
These moon-viewing dumplings, called “Tsukimi Dango,” appear in grocery store around mid-October.
As for why pampas grass is used, it is said that displaying the tall grass invites the gods to descend and watch over the crops and future generations.
Ideally, rice ears would be offered, but since this celebration happens before the rice harvest, SUSUKI is used as a substitute. Pampas grass is also believed to ward off evil due to its sharp edges, and there is a tradition of hanging it at doorways for protection.
Interestingly, there’s also a tradition called 〝Tsukimi Dorobō” (moon-viewing thieves), where children would steal the DANGO on this day, and it was considered acceptable.
In some regions, children go door-to-door asking for treats, somewhat like Halloween.
I think it’s wonderful that both Canada and Japan share similar traditions, even though the countries are different.
It shows that the human spirit of “gratitude” is universal. The stars in the sky over Vancouver Island are especially beautiful, and sometimes I find myself enchanted by them.
In mid-October, I encourage you to look up at the sky and give thanks to the moon.
This article was contributed to the October 2024 issue of Cowichan Valley Voice.
