[For Elementary School Students] Trivia About April

The randoseru is based on a type of bag that came from the Netherlands.

What kind of bag do you take to school? Many children probably head to school wearing a randoseru backpack.

Did you know that this familiar randoseru actually originated from a bag that came from the Netherlands? In fact, the word “randoseru” is said to come from the Dutch word “ransel,” which refers to a square cloth bag.

Before the randoseru became widespread, children used to wrap their textbooks in furoshiki cloths to carry them.

At the Flower Festival, people pour sweet tea over a statue of the Buddha.

At the Hana Matsuri, a Buddhist festival celebrating the birth of the Buddha, there is a custom of pouring sweet tea over a statue of the Buddha.

The Buddha’s birthday is said to be April 8, and at temples throughout Japan, a small floral pavilion called a hanamido, surrounding the image of the newborn Buddha, is set up.

The sweet tea is made from a plant called amacha, and it is cherished as something believed to bring beneficial effects to people.

Some may be surprised and wonder, “Is it really okay to pour tea over a statue of the Buddha?” but when you look into the origins of the Hana Matsuri and of sweet tea, you’ll find the background is fascinating.

Firefly squid, which are in season in April, glow underwater.

The firefly squid inhabits the Sea of Japan.

Those caught especially in April, when they are in season, have firm flesh and a faint sweetness.

That aside, do you know why they’re called “firefly” squid? As you probably guessed, the “firefly” refers to the insect that glows in the dark.

So why the name firefly squid? It’s because they emit a bluish-white light underwater.

Their glowing appearance is beautiful, and many tourists visit to catch a glimpse.

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Japan also used to hold entrance ceremonies in September.

In Japan, entrance ceremonies are typically held in April, but in many countries overseas, they are generally held in September.

However, there was actually a time in Japan when holding entrance ceremonies in September was the norm.

In the early Meiji period, Japan adopted Western education systems and began September admissions.

Later, in Meiji 19 (1886), Japan introduced the fiscal year used in the United Kingdom, which was then a leading advanced nation.

Along with this change, Japan adopted the current cycle running from April 1 to March 31 of the following year.

By the way, one explanation for why entrance ceremonies are held in September in other countries is closely related to agriculture.

In the past, children often helped with farm work, and school would start in September, a time when things had settled down.

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Early-year births are counted up to April 1.

The term “early birth” refers to people born between January 1 and April 1.

In the New Year of the year you were born, adding one to your age is called kazoedoshi (traditional age counting).

Children born between January 1 and April 1 start school one year younger than their classmates in the same grade.

By the way, children born on April 1 and those born on April 2 are in different school years.

Why are they in different grades even though both birthdays are in April? In Japan, the law defines how age is calculated: legally, you reach a new age at 12:00 a.m.

on the day before your birthday.

For example, if your sixth birthday is on April 1, you are considered six at midnight (12:00 a.m.) on March 31, the day before.

This legal rule also takes into account people born on February 29 in leap years.

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Wisteria flowers are poisonous.

Have you ever seen wisteria flowers? Wisteria is characterized by its pale purple color and drooping clusters.

In recent years, it’s also strongly associated with the popular anime Demon Slayer.

Wisteria is believed to ward off evil.

Its flower language often conveys gentle impressions such as “kindness” and “welcome.” However, wisteria also has a frightening side: it contains a toxin called lectin.

Consuming a large amount can cause nausea and diarrhea, so please be careful.

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There is a drink called dandelion coffee.

Dandelions are known for their long stems with jagged leaves, cute yellow flowers, and fluffy seed heads.

You’ve probably seen them along roadsides or in parks, right? There’s actually a drink made from this familiar plant called dandelion coffee! Dandelion coffee is made by roasting dandelion roots.

It’s called “coffee” because it has a flavor similar to coffee, but it’s also commonly enjoyed under the name dandelion tea.

It’s caffeine-free and provides dietary fiber and vitamins—give dandelion coffee a try!