Japanese Calendar: 2月 - 如月（Kisaragi）
By Nozomi Yokoyama |Did you know that Japan has its own unique names for the months of the year, known as Japanese Moon Names, or 和風月名 (wa fu getsu mei)?
In this system, February is referred to as 如月 (kisaragi).
Origin and Explanation:
It is also known as kisaragi (衣更着), a month marked by lingering cold temperatures prompting people to layer up with additional clothing.
This past February 4th marked 立春 (risshun) the traditional first day of spring according to the lunisolar calendar. Interestingly, despite this transition, snowfall was observed in Tokyo and surrounding regions earlier this week. This phenomenon perfectly aligns with the Japanese Moon Name tradition, as it's still quite cold on some days. However, when the sun breaks through, we can sense the warmth of early spring and even catch the sweet scent of 梅 (ume) plum flowers on the trees. Spring is just around the corner...
