Japanese Calendar: 11月 - 霜月 (Shimo tsuki)
By Nozomi Yokoyama |The eleventh month of the lunar calendar roughly corresponds to December in the modern calendar. This time of year likely marked the arrival of frost across Japan, giving it the name "Frost Month" (霜月).
While mornings and evenings finally feel autumnal, daytime temperatures are still warm enough for short sleeves under the sun. It seems the first frost may still be a little ways off.
In November, the celebration of Shichi-Go-San (the 7-5-3 festival) is particularly significant. Held on November 15, Shichi-Go-San originated in samurai society with rites such as kamiodome (leaving hair uncut) for both boys and girls at age three, hakama-gi (donning hakama pants) for boys at age five, and obi-toki (tying the obi sash) for girls at age seven. By the late Edo period, these traditions had spread among townsfolk, who brought their children—boys at ages three and five, and girls at ages three and seven—to shrines to give thanks and pray for their healthy growth.
Today, shrines across Japan are filled with beautifully dressed children and families celebrating Shichi-Go-San. The colorful kimonos create a cheerful, heartwarming scene.
November also marks the peak bloom of chrysanthemums, which feature prominently in Japanese gardens and botanical displays. Chrysanthemums, cherished in ancient China as a symbol of longevity and good fortune, were even thought to be an herb of immortality.
Our *furoshiki* wrapping cloth features a chrysanthemum design. We hope that by wrapping your gift with it, you’ll be sharing warmth and good fortune.
