[For Seniors] February Trivia: Useful Knowledge
According to the traditional calendar, it’s “Risshun,” the start of spring.
February is considered the beginning of spring, but in reality it’s still quite cold—a time when we can’t do without down jackets and heaters.
In some regions, it may even be snowing.
In this article, we’ve gathered various trivia related to February.
We introduce handy tips to keep warm through the cold winter, trivia about February events, and fun facts tied to various “Days of ○○.”
If you’re looking for February trivia to spark conversation, or quiz material about February that can be used for activities in senior care facilities, we hope you find this useful!
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[For Seniors] February Trivia: Useful Knowledge (41–50)
What is a yokan-mimai (late-winter greeting)? How is it different from a kanchu-mimai (mid-winter greeting)?
February is a time when the cold eases and we begin to feel the arrival of spring.
Are you familiar with the custom of sending a yokan-mimai around this time? It’s a little different from a kanchu-mimai.
A yokan-mimai is a greeting sent when winter’s chill is nearing its end.
It’s given as the weather starts to feel springlike, to convey a warm concern for the health of family and friends.
While a kanchu-mimai is sent in the depths of midwinter, a yokan-mimai is sent when signs of spring are in the air.
It can be a nice opportunity, especially for older adults, to share their feelings with loved ones.
What happens if you eat daikon radish?
“Daikon” is one of the vegetables that represent winter, isn’t it? When simmered or grated, it becomes easy for older adults to eat, and many people may enjoy it.
Winter vegetables like daikon contain isothiocyanates, which are expected to help prevent colds and infections.
They also provide nutrients that boost immune function, such as vitamin C and digestive enzymes.
While daikon offers many health benefits, be careful not to overeat it.
Its dietary fiber can affect the stomach and intestines, and when eaten raw, it may cool the body, so please take care.
Enjoy some fun trivia about daikon and other vegetables that are in season during winter.
Etymology of the name of a sewing pin
February 8 is the day of Hari-kuyō (the Needle Memorial Service).
In connection with this day, let me introduce the origin of the name “machibari” (pin).
In fact, it’s said that machibari traces back to Ono no Komachi.
Although renowned for her beauty, she did not accept men’s advances, and people began to call her “Komachi-bari” (Komachi needle).
Over many years, that evolved into “machibari.” It must have been tough to be a beauty even in the old days.
By the way, many older people are quite skilled at sewing, aren’t they? If you have a chance to use needles, remember this little bit of trivia.
Convenient types of mackerel to know
Did you know there are different kinds of mackerel? In fact, there are three types: Pacific mackerel, spotted mackerel, and Atlantic mackerel! There’s plenty of information to help you tell them apart, learn when they’re at their best, and discover the tastiest ways to eat them.
Many older adults also enjoy fish.
February is peak season for mackerel, so please give it a try.
You’ll be able to choose mackerel with confidence when you shop.
Learn some mackerel trivia and enjoy delicious mackerel.
Why are soybeans used for Setsubun bean throwing?
Do you know why soybeans are used for bean-throwing on Setsubun? It’s actually because soybeans were seen as the largest and most vigorous among the five grains.
The five grains also include rice and wheat, but if you’re confronting evil spirits, using something larger rather than smaller does feel more reassuring.
In some regions, peanuts are used instead for reasons of hygiene and affordability.
Also, since it’s considered bad if any beans left uncollected sprout after the throwing, it’s common to use roasted beans; however, there are regions where raw beans are used based on the belief that sprouting is auspicious.
A handy bit of trivia to know for Setsubun, isn’t it?
