Which Country Have 72 Seasons? How Were Microseasons Decided?

Japan, a country known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and intricate traditions, surprises us once again with its unique approach to seasons. While most countries recognize four primary seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—Japan has a calendar that celebrates 72 distinct microseasons. Let’s delve into the intriguing world of Japanese microseasons and explore how they were meticulously determined.

Japanese Calendar of Microseasons

1. The Basics: In Japan, the traditional calendar divides the year into 24 major seasons, each lasting about 15 days. These major seasons correspond to the familiar spring, summer, autumn, and winter. However, within these major seasons, there are further subdivisions, resulting in a total of 72 microseasons.
2. The Microseasons: These microseasons are called sekki in Japanese. Each sekki lasts about five days and captures subtle shifts in nature. They reflect changes in weather, flora, fauna, and human activities. For example:
   • Usui (Rainwater): This microseason marks the transition from winter to spring. It’s when the first gentle rains arrive, nourishing the earth and awakening dormant life.
   • Shunbun (Vernal Equinox): During this time, day and night are equal in length. Cherry blossoms bloom, and people celebrate the arrival of spring.
   • Satsuki (Grain Rain): As the name suggests, it’s the season when rainwater nourishes crops, especially rice. Farmers begin planting rice seedlings.
   • Hakuro (White Dew): Dew forms on grass and leaves, creating a serene morning landscape. And so on, until we reach all 72 microseasons.
3. The Influence of Nature: Japanese microseasons are deeply connected to the natural world. Observations of blooming flowers, bird migrations, insect activity, and even the taste of the air contribute to their classification. Ancient texts, such as the Rokuyo (six-day cycle), guided the Japanese in recognizing these subtle changes.
4. The Art of Haiku: Haiku, a traditional form of Japanese poetry, often captures the essence of microseasons. Poets skillfully express fleeting moments in just three lines. For instance:
   • Cherry blossoms fall—
   • A gentle breeze carries them—
   • Spring whispers secrets.
5. Cultural Significance: Microseasons influence Japanese cuisine, festivals, clothing, and daily life. They inspire seasonal dishes, traditional clothing choices, and rituals. People celebrate each sekki with reverence, connecting to the rhythms of nature.

How Were Microseasons Determined?

1. Observation and Intuition: Ancient Japanese scholars keenly observed nature, noting subtle changes. They relied on intuition, folklore, and empirical knowledge to identify these microseasons.
2. The 24 Sekki: The 24 major seasons served as a framework. Each major season was further divided into three sekki, resulting in 72. These divisions allowed for a more nuanced understanding of nature’s transitions.
3. Cultural Heritage: Japan’s deep respect for nature and its cyclical patterns influenced the creation of the microseasons. The Japanese believe that recognizing these shifts fosters harmony with the environment.

Conclusion

Japan’s 72 microseasons remind us to slow down, appreciate the delicate beauty around us, and honor the ever-changing world. Whether it’s the fleeting sakura blossoms or the crisp air of late autumn, each sekki invites us to be present and attuned to nature’s rhythm.

So, the next time you experience a subtle change in the air or notice the first cherry blossom, remember that you’re witnessing one of Japan’s 72 exquisite microseasons.