CycleKyoto HP LInk

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Risshun (spring) Begins in Japan

立春

The big wheel keeps on turning.

According to the pre-Gregorian calendar used in Japan, which is subdivided into 24 segments, Tuesday February 4 was the first day of spring according to the solar calendar. "It begins when the Sun reaches the celestial longitude of 315° and ends when it reaches the longitude of 330°."

This period is marked by Setsubun, the Japanese festival that celebrates the advent of spring.

It lasts until February 19, when "Usui" - rain water - begins. This is when winter snows are said to begin their thaw.

Here is Kyoto, which is at a latitude of 35.0117° N - comparable to Raleigh, North Carolina, or Tangier, Morocco - there has been little snow this winter. Which is usually the case.

Commuting, shopping, and visiting temples on bike is year-round in Kyoto.


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