[For Seniors] Enjoy Brain Training with September Trivia Quizzes & Fun Facts

ohagi (sweet rice balls coated with red bean paste)

Autumnal Equinox Day coincides with Ohigan, a time to honor one’s ancestors. The traditional Japanese sweet offered on this day is ohagi. Red beans have long been believed to ward off misfortune, and ohagi is cherished as a treat that also pleases one’s ancestors. Although it uses the same ingredients as botamochi, which is eaten on the Vernal Equinox, the name changes in reference to the season’s flowers.

Virgo and Libra

Sapphire

The birthstone for September is sapphire. Sapphire has a beautiful blue color and is said to symbolize wisdom and sincerity. Its stone meanings are “benevolence,” “sincerity,” and “noble virtue.” It has long been believed that wearing sapphire brings confidence and leads to success.

for protection against evil

Susuki (Japanese pampas grass) has traditionally been displayed during moon-viewing as a talisman to ward off evil, since its sharp leaf tips were believed to repel malign influences. Placing the pampas grass offered during the moon-viewing at the entrance of the home is also imbued with wishes for a safe harvest and the family’s good health.

beech tree

Acorns that fall in great numbers to the ground in autumn. We use the word “acorn” as a general term for the nuts produced mainly by trees in the beech family, such as oaks (kashi, nara). Cherry and ginkgo trees do not bear acorns. Many people may have used them for pretend play when they were children.

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Disaster Prevention Day