September Trivia Quiz & Fun Facts! A Fun Autumn Quiz for Kids

approximately 4.5 cm in diameter

The traditional size of tsukimi dango is said to be about 4.5 centimeters in diameter, which equals one sun and five bu. This “one sun, five bu” is a play on words with “Jugoya” (the fifteenth night) and is considered auspicious. If you want to honor the origins and traditions of the festival, it’s recommended to make them in this size.

to express gratitude for the harvest

Since ancient times in Japan, there has been a custom of offering dumplings during the harvest moon (Jugoya) viewing. This practice is meant to express gratitude to the moon for a safe autumn harvest. The dumplings symbolize crops such as rice and carry the meanings of praying for a bountiful harvest and giving thanks for nature’s blessings.

pounding mochi

In Japanese moon-viewing folklore, it is said that a rabbit lives in the moon, and that rabbit is pounding mochi. This legend arose because the full moon’s patterns look like a rabbit pounding rice cakes. One fun aspect of the moon is that other countries have different animals and stories associated with it.

pyramidal

It is common to offer tsukimi dango stacked high, typically in a pyramid shape. This is said to symbolize the full moon by piling up the rice cakes, and to arrange them prominently as a prayer for a good harvest and as an expression of gratitude. Since 15 dumplings are stacked for the night of the full moon (Jūgoya), ease of stacking might also be a reason.

Color television broadcasting

September 10, 1960, marks the day when full-scale color television broadcasting began in Japan. Until then, black-and-white broadcasts were the norm, but this day sparked a major shift into the era of color TV. As color television spread, people could enjoy TV programs and sports broadcasts with greater realism, significantly changing daily life and the way people enjoyed entertainment.

autumn-returning skipjack tuna

The bonito caught around September is called “modori-gatsuo” (returning bonito). Bonito that come to the Japanese coast from spring to early summer pass near Japan again as they head back south from northern waters. Compared to spring bonito, fish caught during this period are characterized by having higher fat content.

glutinous rice

Ohagi is a traditional Japanese confection often eaten during the autumn equinoctial week and similar occasions. Its base is made with glutinous rice. When cooked, glutinous rice develops a chewy texture that makes it easier to wrap with sweet red bean paste and gives ohagi its distinctive mouthfeel and flavor.