ice cream headache

The phenomenon where your head suddenly aches when you eat something cold is called “ice cream headache.” There are several theories about its cause, but it’s said to occur because cold foods or drinks rapidly lower the temperature in the mouth or throat, stimulating nerves and triggering a temporary headache.

midsummer day

A day with a maximum temperature of 30°C or higher but below 35°C is called a “midsummer day.” For reference, days with temperatures of 25°C or higher but below 30°C are defined as “summer days,” and days of 35°C or higher are “extremely hot days.” In recent years, days referred to as “intensely hot days” have also increased, heightening vigilance against heatstroke.

Nagasaki Prefecture

In Nagasaki Prefecture, the grand “Shoro-nagashi” ceremony is held every year on August 15 to console and send off the spirits of the deceased by setting lanterns afloat on rivers and the sea. Colorful lanterns and paper lamps drift along the water, creating a beautiful scene. While this event is held in other regions as well, it is particularly large-scale in Nagasaki Prefecture and is popular with tourists.

Names of Roman emperors

August was named in the 1st century BCE by Emperor Augustus (Augustus Caesar). Augustus, the first emperor of the Roman Empire, is said to have corrected the misapplication of the Julian calendar that had been in use and to have changed the name of the month to his own.

Hazuki

In the old lunar calendar, August was called “Hazuki.” It is said to mean “the month when leaves fall,” reflecting the feeling that autumn is approaching. Many traditional events are held in August today, but in the lunar calendar this corresponds to late July through early August.

Late-summer greeting

A greeting card sent to arrive between August 7 and August 31 is called a late-summer greeting (zansho-mimai). It is sent after the start of autumn on the traditional calendar, when the heat still lingers, to ask after the recipient’s health and circumstances. By the way, a midsummer greeting (shochu-mimai) is sent to arrive from the end of the rainy season up to August 6.

honorable ancestors

Obon is a traditional Japanese observance during which it is believed that the spirits of deceased ancestors return. It takes place every August, and during this period people often travel back to their family homes. Many households visit graves and offer memorial services to express gratitude to their ancestors.