Higan (O-Higan; Higan no Chu-Nichi), Japan Celebrated at both the Spring Equinox and Autumn Equinox
On or around the day of the Autumn Equinox, Japanese people celebrate Shuubun-no-hi, also known as Higan (Higan no Chu-Nichi). There is another Higan at the time of the Spring Equinox, which is also called Higan no Chu-Nichi. Both are usually observed on the Sunday on or immediately preceding the equinoxes. The middle days of each Higan, Shunbun no hi (Spring Equinox) and Shuubun no hi (Autumnal Equinox) are national holidays
The name Higan means ‘the other shore�?and derives from the Buddhist notion that there is a river that marks the division of the mundane world and the afterlife. This river is one of illusions, passion, pain and sorrow. Only when one crosses the river, swimming against the currents of temptation, to the other shore, does one gain enlightenment.
During the whole of this week there is a Buddhist observance, three days either side of the equinox, when the spirits of one’s ancestors are commemorated. Usually on the equinoctial day, families and friends visit their family tombs, where they tend and weed the graves of their loved ones. They leave flowers, incense and ohagi (sweet rice balls covered with soybean paste) �?SPAN> it is tradition that ancestors�?spirits prefer food that is round. The visitors sweep the ground, say prayers, and may even have a bit of a family party, drinking sake rice wine ...
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