Imagine the illuminated sky with the shining full moon in Japan where the moon casts a glow on the people as they celebrate centuries of their culture. September 17, 2024, is the harvest moon, and the Japanese moon viewing holiday, where people celebrate the full moon and remain grateful for the September harvest. Otsukimi is the literal word for moon viewing in Japanese, and the day varies from year to year, falling between September and October, and it’s celebrated throughout Asia under different names.
The holiday’s beginnings can be traced to Chinese influence among Japanese aristocrats where once the Chinese Mid-autumn festival started to make waves in Japan, aristocrats began to gather to view the moon. The Waka poems were composed to show an appreciation for the full moon’s beauty during these gatherings. Rabbit is often a common symbol associated with Otsukimi stemming from the Tsuki no Usagi folktale. The Old Man from the Moon, pretending to be a beggar, asked a rabbit, fox, and monkey for food. The monkey and the fox bring him food such as fruits, while the rabbit doesn’t possess any and so offers itself as a self-sacrifice to provide food for the man. The Old Man from the Moon, admiring the act of the rabbit, chooses to save the rabbit and take it to the moon with him. Ever since then, Japanese tradition has honored the rabbit’s bravery.
This appreciation for the rabbit is shown through the rabbit-shaped mochi eaten during Otsukimi. Tsukimi-dango is another common delicacy enjoyed during this time of the year. This item is a round rice dumpling meant to symbolize a full moon. Other foods indulged in include Kuri (chestnut), Kabocha (pumpkin), and Kaki (persimmon). Food isn’t the only tradition during this time as people often put decorations made of pampas grass in their houses or public spaces. Families gather and celebrate the moon with decorations or a special meal, but some also offer food to the moon deities.
Otsukimi reflects the connection between Japanese culture and traditions with that of nature’s beauty. The visual pleasure this holiday brings pales in comparison to the rich meaning behind it. Otsukimi, whether celebrated in Japan or anywhere else, is a time to admire what’s in front of you and understand the true meaning of the moon.
Sources:
https://www.japanesefriendshipgarden.org/post/otsukimi-history-and-tradition
