Entry #39: 2022 February 14

February is filled with interesting holidays worldwide isn’t it? One example of that being Valentine’s Day. In exploring more, its connotations are quite brutal and bloody. Eventually associating to agriculture and creation of harvest and family. In Japan, the holiday to note in February is not only Valentine’s Day but also “Foundation Day”. But what is the beginning of Japan anyway. It’s not a war or two regions merging, this holiday is based on legend. The legend of the first emperor, Jimmu. The story is transcribed in Japan’s oldest texts from the 700s. However, this isn’t the only legend of the beginning of Japan. Different tales in different regions. This is just one.

♡ momoko

Microseasonal Stars

February 14 - 18

Spring > First of Spring > Fish Through Ice

As nothing but the usual that each day may seem, they are filled with tiny breakthrough moments. What was yours today?

Entry #38: 2022 February 9

I saw my very first plum blossom the other day! The cherry blossom have become synonymous with Spring and Japan, but it’s really the umé that were the revered flower to signal Spring. They are the first comers, the ones we look to to confirm that the season is changing. And they are CUTE! ♡♡♡ Three hearts cute! Plum, cherry, and peach blossoms are Spring’s trifecta. And while my name is Peach, it’s the plum that I find most charming. It has round petals, and the park of the tree is dark, rough, and looks very wise. This also marks the cherry blossom sweets beginning to line confectionary shops. As in clothing, food, home, we often celebrate one step ahead.

♡ momoko

Microseasonal Stars

February 9 - 13

Spring > First of Spring > Nightingales Sing

Are you saying all of the hellos and thank yous that you wish to express? Now couldn’t be a better time!

Entry #37: 2022 February 4

Today we welcome Spring. That means yesterday was the New Years Eve of yesteryear. We celebrate with two rituals on Setsubun. One is that we make ehoumaki or roll of favorable direction, and eat it following the compass of fortune that year. This year it is north-north-west. Essentially north, but a sliver to the west. The second ritual is throwing roasted soy beans at the Oni or devil spirit. We say, “Oni outside, Fortune inside”, while throwing these beans. But Oni is actually not outside at all. In any sense. It’s that devilish spirit inside of us all.

♡ momoko

MIcroseasonal Stars

February 4 - 8

Spring > First of Spring > Spring Winds Melt Ice

As you release yourself from the tightness of the cold, what do you observe from your newfound lightness?