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

crab

In Southern Europe, it’s said that the pattern of the full moon looks like a crab. In Japan, people often say it looks like a rabbit pounding mochi, but the way lunar patterns are perceived and interpreted varies by region around the world. It could be interesting to explore how these perceptions differ from country to country.

smile (smilingly / with a smile)

A real Japanese pear variety is “Nikkori.” It was bred by crossing Niitaka and Housui, and its name comes from “Nikkō” and “nashi” (pear). The fruit is very large, notably sweet, and has a crisp texture. It’s harvested from mid-October to late November.

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.