Full Moon Night
Full Moon Night in September (Jugoya), refers to Japanese festivals that honor the autumn moon, is a tradition in which Japanese people enjoy gazing at the moon.
After the end of summer, when the temperature begins to slowly drop, you will hear the Japanese mention the word “Jugoya.” Jugoya, also known as “the night of the full moon” or the “night of the 15th,” is the traditional custom of celebrating the autumn harvest.
The tradition dates back to the Heian era, and is now so popular in Japan that some people repeat the activities for several nights after the appearance of the full moon during the eighth lunisolar month.
Jugoya traditions include displaying decorations made from pampas grass and eating rice balls called dango to celebrate the beauty of the moon.
- When is the night of the full moon?
In the past, the Japanese used the lunar calendar, which is different from the calendar we use today. The ways of counting the months are different, and according to the lunar calendar, autumn arrived in the eighth month of the year. The fifteenth day of the eighth month happened to be in the middle of autumn, and people referred to the “night of the 15th” as the day to celebrate and appreciate the year’s harvest. With the lunar calendar following the waxing and waning of the moon, the 15th day of the eighth month became a full moon. Therefore, on the night of the 15th, it became a regular custom to observe the moon.
- Why offer Dango and Pampas Grass Rice Cakes?
In Japan, dango rice cakes and pampas grass are offered while watching the full moon, the reason behind this custom comes from the festivals that celebrate the harvest. Pampas grass represents the grains of rice and wishes for good harvests for the year and pampas grass is also said to ward off evil. The round dango rice cakes represent the full moon and are used as an offering to pray for the good health of children and their descendants.
- Rabbits on the Moon?
In Japan, it is said that there are rabbits on the moon. The belief comes from the shapes of craters on the moon that look like rabbits. Therefore, many songs about Jugoya often feature rabbits, and many traditional sweet shops sell sweets in the shape or design of rabbits.
In addition to the traditional festivities during this season in Japan, there are many sweets and fast food delicacies related to the moon or the Jugoya ceremony on sale.