Autumn Equinox Day and the Buddhist Tradition of Ohigan

Autumn Equinox Day, known as Shūbun no Hi (秋分の日) in Japanese, is a national holiday that typically falls on September 22nd or 23rd each year. While it marks the astronomical beginning of autumn and a time when day and night are of nearly equal length, the day is deeply intertwined with the ancient Buddhist tradition of Ohigan (お彼岸), a seven-day period dedicated to honoring ancestors and spiritual reflection.

The holiday’s modern significance as a secular public holiday dates back to 1948, but its origins are far older. Prior to World War II, the day was celebrated as Shūki Kōreisai (秋季皇霊祭), a Shinto ceremony to honor past emperors and members of the imperial family. The holiday was later repurposed and made non-religious as part of the post-war constitution’s separation of religion and state. Despite this change, the deep-rooted cultural and religious practices associated with Ohigan have endured for centuries.

The name Ohigan comes from a Buddhist concept. In Japanese, higan (彼岸) literally means “the other shore” and refers to the enlightened state of Nirvana, which is free from worldly suffering and desires. This contrasts with the “this shore” (shigan), which represents our current world of attachment and pain. It is said that during the autumnal and vernal equinoxes, when the sun rises exactly in the east and sets exactly in the west, the distance between the world of the living and the Buddhist Pure Land (which is believed to lie in the west) is at its shortest. This makes the equinox a particularly auspicious time to communicate with, pray for, and honor the spirits of one’s ancestors.

The custom of Ohigan is unique to Japan and is believed to have originated from a combination of Buddhist teachings and ancient Japanese ancestor worship. Some scholars trace the first formal ceremonies back to the early 9th century, when Buddhist monks began holding Higan-e services to honor the dead. Over time, these practices, initially confined to the aristocracy, spread to the general populace during the Edo period (1603-1868), becoming the beloved tradition it is today. The period of Ohigan lasts for seven days—three days before the equinox and three days after. A common Japanese saying, “Atsusa samusa mo higan made” (暑さ寒さも彼岸まで), reinforces its significance as a seasonal turning point, as it means “both heat and cold last only until Ohigan.”

Traditions and Things to Do on Ohigan

For many Japanese families, the most important activity during this period is grave visiting (ohaka-mairi, お墓参り). Families often travel back to their hometowns to visit the graves of deceased relatives. The ritual is a sign of respect and remembrance, and typically involves several steps:

1. Cleaning the Gravesite: The family cleans the tombstone and the area around it, removing weeds and sweeping away any debris.
2. Offering Flowers and Incense: Fresh flowers are placed in the vases, and incense is lit. The pleasant scent of incense is believed to purify the space and please the spirits.
3. Making Food Offerings: It is customary to offer food and drinks that the deceased enjoyed. A particularly popular offering is a special sweet called ohagi (おはぎ).

Eating Ohagi is a central tradition of the autumnal Ohigan. These sweets are made from a ball of glutinous rice, often shaped to resemble a rice ball, and covered in a sweet red bean paste (azuki) or other toppings like soybean flour. The name ohagi is derived from the hagi (bush clover) flower, which blooms in autumn. The red color of the azuki beans is traditionally believed to ward off evil spirits, making it a fitting offering for ancestors. In the spring, the exact same sweet is made but called botamochi (ぼたもち), named after the botan (peony) flower.

Beyond the graves, many people also visit Buddhist temples and shrines to pray for their ancestors and loved ones. Some temples hold special memorial services, and families may invite a priest to perform a service at their home. The holiday also provides a time for families to reconnect and reflect on the six perfections (pāramitās), a set of Buddhist practices—generosity, morality, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom—that are said to help one reach “the other shore.”

Nature also plays a significant role during Ohigan. The season is celebrated for its pleasant weather and a bountiful harvest. A beautiful symbol of this time is the red spider lily (higanbana, 彼岸花), a striking red flower that blooms profusely around the equinox period. Found along paths near rice fields and cemeteries, its appearance is a powerful visual cue that autumn has arrived and is closely associated with the tradition of grave visiting.

In modern Japan, Autumn Equinox Day is a cherished opportunity for people to take a break from their busy lives. When it falls near Respect for the Aged Day in September, it can create a “Silver Week,” providing a rare extended holiday period. It is a time for family, remembrance, and a deep appreciation for the transition of the seasons, embodying a unique blend of spiritual tradition and national celebration.

References

In English

http://comeonup-house.com/blog-en/2018/09/25/autumnal-equinox-day-in-japan-shubun-no-hi-秋分の日）/

https://cotoacademy.com/autumnal-equinox-day/

In Japanese

https://hotokami.jp/articles/141/

https://www.e-sogi.com/guide/2175/

Photo thanks to Daderot @ WikiMedia.

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