JET in Fukushima: Seasons Spring

Scenery

In mid-February, when the cold winds blowing from Siberia die down, a strong southwest wind called Haru-ichiban ,or the first spring wind, breezes over the Fukushima landscape, announcing the end of winter. Thereafter, with the blooming of the plum and cherry blossoms, people sense the real beginning of spring. The cherry blossom season is especially cherished and the many famous viewing spots in the prefecture are packed with people who come to see the blossoms.

With the culmination of the cherry blossom season, trees start to bud and mountain slopes begin to regain nature's warm colors. As the snow melts on Mt.Azuma-kofuji near Fukushima City, an image appears on the mountainside from the lingering snow that resembles a hare with long ears. From long ago the people of the area have called this occurrence the appearance of the“seed-sowing rabbit”and have taken it as a sign to start the year's farming.

Life Styles

March, the first month of spring, also marks the end of the school year and the end of the fiscal year for government offices. Schools throughout the prefecture hold graduation ceremonies. Before they can attend these ceremonies, however, third-year students at junior and senior high schools must face examinations to enter high schools and universities. Thus, for them, March is a trying month. For many, April is a month for taking on new responsibilities and formally entering society's ranks, as entrance ceremonies at schools and companies,as well as personnel changes, are made at this time. Like spring flowers, the new pupils and employees start afresh, under the warm guidance of their seniors. In April and May, farming and other cultivation activities pick up. Orchards hosting peach, pear and apple trees are in full bloom and, in rural districts, people go into the fields to start rice planting. Throughout the prefecture people can be seen working the land.

Annual Events

Doll Festival and Children's Day March 3 is the festival day for girls, and May 5 is the festival day for children, with a special emphasis on boys, These days are celebrated through out Japan to wish for the physical health and spiritual well-being of children. Dolls are displayed in homes on March 3, and streamers of giant paper carp are flown from atop homes on May 5.

Vernal Equinox day (March 20 or 21) On this Buddhist festival day,people visit the graves of their departed family members to pay their respects, honor the regenerative power of nature and renew their love of living things.