During this time of the year, it seems only one word is in everyone’s mind. Actually, it is two words: momiji or kouyou. Both words mean the same thing: colored leaves. During Fall in Japan, everywhere you look (as long as you are not in the middle of a city) you will see leaves changing color. Fall in Japan is actually nearly as big an event as the cherry blossoms viewing or hanami during Spring. Temples will be advertise the turn of the leaves and even host special events like illuminations, so that visitors can admire the colored leaves even late during the evenings. I used to think that Fall was not such a big deal. Since I was a kid, I can remember seeing the leaves change color every year in Canada. Other than the occasional walk in the park, there was no special events associated with the viewing of leaves. The most I remember are for some people to plan a hike in the mountains to see the beautiful colors of nature. But for Japanese people, it seems to take far more importance. These days, I can see that everyone is talking about the beautiful red, orange and yellow leaves that we can see everywhere.
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| Colored Leaves, Hirakata, 2010 |
During this period in the fall, Kyoto becomes very popular and crowded. A lot of people are arranging for small trips and visit different temples to admire the leaves. Momiji viewing, or Momiji-gari in Japanese, as a long history. In the 7th century, aristocracy and court attendants often held parties or sat to watch the leaves falling down the trees. Eventually, this activity spread to commoners so everyone could hold small parties outside while admiring what nature offered us. A lot of art pieces from famous artists are depicting such events. Poems were written about the beauty of Fall as well. Like I said before, for Japanese, colored leaves are like the cherry blossoms in spring. They represent delicateness and beauty but only for a short period of time. Of course they eventually fall to the ground and die. Japanese people have be fond of the ephemeral transformation and the delicateness of falling leaves for a long time and even today the younger generation takes the time to go watch this gift of nature.
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| Colored Leave, Hirakata, 2010 |
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| Colored Leaved, Hirakata, 2010 |
I have always loved watching the leaves changing color and the scent of Fall back in Canada. But only while being in Japan did I realized that not a lot of Canadian actually takes the time to watch this phenomenon. Japanese people are very fond of nature and I think it is a good thing to go outside and take the time to watch what Mother Nature does for us.
A great and timely topic - many of your classmates are posting on this subject, and like you, have some very pretty pictures and interesting commentary.
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