(Stripes Japan)
Tsukimi, or moon-viewing, is a long-held custom celebrated to wish for a rich harvest and prosperity for the coming year. This is also one of the most favored settings for declarations of love. The dates on the old calendar are marked on the night of Aug. 15 and the night of Sept. 13. This year, however, the dates fall on the nights of Sept. 17 and Oct. 15.
According to Japanese tradition, moon-viewing dumplings, other round-shaped seasonal foods, sake and sprigs of susuki grass are set out on the porch or corridor in view of the moon.
Today’s Japanese phrase is:
"Otsukimi wo shimasho." = Let’s enjoy traditional moon-viewing. ("otsukimi" = traditional Japanese moon-viewing, "... wo shimasho" = let's do...)
By enjoying beautiful moon in this season, I’m sure we will be blessed with rich harvest.
