How many can you solve? An Otsukimi trivia quiz from general knowledge to surprising fun facts

Japanese pampas grass

During Tsukimi, pampas grass (susuki) is displayed to pray for a good harvest. Because susuki is likened to rice ears, it has long been used in moon-viewing events such as the fifteenth-night celebration and is also considered to have protective, talismanic qualities. Another key point is that at events praying for a bountiful harvest, rice has not yet been gathered, so pampas grass is displayed instead.

China

The custom of tsukimi, gazing at the moon and celebrating on the night of the harvest moon, originally came from China. In China, it has long been cherished as the Mid-Autumn Festival, and it is said to have been introduced to Japan during the Heian period. Thereafter, it developed into uniquely Japanese customs and events.

Heian period

The custom of moon viewing became widespread in Japan during the Heian period. At that time, the practice of appreciating the moon, which had been introduced from China, developed among the aristocracy, and moon-viewing banquets were held. Scenes of people setting boats afloat to enjoy the moon reflected on the water’s surface are depicted in works like The Tale of Genji. Eventually, the custom spread to the common people and evolved into an event that continues to this day.

August 15

The fifteenth night refers to the 15th day of the 8th month in the old lunar calendar, also known as the Mid-Autumn Moon. This day falls in the middle of autumn and is considered a time when the moon appears especially beautiful. In the current Gregorian calendar, the date changes every year, but the term “fifteenth night” originates from the lunar calendar.

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.

15 pieces

It is traditionally said that fifteen dumplings are offered for the Harvest Moon (Chushu no Meigetsu). This custom is linked to the fifteenth night of the eighth month in the lunar calendar, and on that night people stack fifteen dumplings in a mound as an offering while appreciating the full moon and giving thanks for the harvest. The number may vary by region, but fifteen is the most widely known.

For protection against evil and for prayers for a good harvest

We decorate with pampas grass for moon-viewing because it resembles ears of rice and symbolizes prayers for a good harvest, and its sharp leaves have long been thought to ward off evil. In the past, people would display pampas grass under the eaves of their homes to keep misfortune away, give thanks for the autumn harvest, and pray for a bountiful crop the following year. For these reasons, the custom of decorating with pampas grass during the moon-viewing festival has been passed down over generations.