March is a month filled with holidays symbolizing the arrival of spring in many countries around the world, including Japan. In Japan, there is "Vernal Equinox Day," in Asia, "Nowruz (Persian New Year)" is celebrated grandly, and in Europe, "St. Patrick's Day" is known as a holiday that showcases national pride.
In this series, we will explore the theme of "Comparing Holidays in Japan and the World," delving into the cultures and origins of holidays in various countries, and explaining their differences and similarities. This time, we will compare the holidays in March and examine the different ways spring is perceived and celebrated.
1. Japanese Holiday: Vernal Equinox Day
• Holiday Name: Vernal Equinox Day (Shunbun no Hi)
• Local Language: 春分の日
• Date: March 20, 2025 (varies by year)
What is the Meaning of Vernal Equinox Day?
Vernal Equinox Day is a day when the length of day and night are almost equal. It is a national holiday in Japan established to "praise nature and cherish living things." This day symbolizes the arrival of spring and is associated with the traditional Japanese event "Ohigan."
Background and History of Vernal Equinox Day
The roots of Vernal Equinox Day lie in ancient nature worship and agricultural culture. The vernal equinox was considered a time when new crops sprout, and it was associated with rituals praying for a bountiful harvest. In Japan, it was originally a day to honor the ancestors of the Imperial family, known as "Shunki Kōreisai" during the Meiji era. However, after World War II, in 1948, it was renamed "Vernal Equinox Day" and became a national holiday.
Events Held on Vernal Equinox Day
• Ohigan: A custom of honoring ancestors and visiting graves.
• Eating Botamochi: A tradition of eating rice cakes covered with sweet red bean paste, named after the spring flower "botan" (peony).
Botamochi
Visiting Graves
Differences Between Vernal Equinox Day and Holidays in Other Countries
In Japan, Vernal Equinox Day is positioned as a day to respect nature and ancestors. In contrast, in Asia and Europe, it is often celebrated as "New Year" or as a "symbol of national culture."
2. Asian Holiday: Nowruz (نوروز)
• Holiday Name: Nowruz (Persian New Year)
• Local Language: Nowruz (نوروز)
• Date: March 20, 2025 (coincides with Vernal Equinox Day)
• Countries: Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asian countries, Azerbaijan, Turkey, etc.
What is Nowruz?
Nowruz is a New Year celebration based on the Persian calendar, marking the beginning of the new year on the vernal equinox. Its history spans over 3000 years and originates from Zoroastrian rituals during the ancient Persian Empire. It symbolizes the end of winter and the beginning of spring, with traditions including family gatherings, jumping over fire, and enjoying special meals.
How Nowruz is Celebrated (Differences by Country)
• Iran: Decorates with seven specific items called "Haft-Seen."
• Afghanistan: Horse racing and sports competitions are held.
• Azerbaijan: Famous for "Chaharshanbe Suri," where people jump over fire.
Characteristics of Nowruz
• Celebrates the arrival of spring, deeply connected to "agricultural culture."
• Recognized as an "international holiday by the United Nations" in various countries.
• Symbolizes "family togetherness" as families gather to welcome the new year.
Haft-Seen
Haft-Seen
3. European Holiday: St. Patrick's Day
• Holiday Name: St. Patrick's Day
• Local Language: St. Patrick's Day
• Date: March 17
• Countries: Ireland, United States, Canada, Australia, etc.
Origins of St. Patrick's Day
St. Patrick's Day is a holiday commemorating the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. He is celebrated for bringing Christianity to Ireland in the 5th century, and the day is a national holiday in Ireland.
Characteristics of St. Patrick's Day
• Parades are held worldwide, and Irish music is played.
• The "shamrock" (three-leaf clover) is used as a symbol.
• Wearing green clothing is said to bring good luck.
Spread of St. Patrick's Day in the United States
In the United States, due to the large number of Irish immigrants, St. Patrick's Day has become a major festival. In Chicago, for example, the river is dyed green as part of the celebrations.
The shamrock (three-leaf clover) as a symbol
The river in Chicago dyed green
4. Comparison of March Holidays in Japan and the World
5. Q&A About March Holidays
Q. How do March holidays differ between Japan and the rest of the world?
A. In Japan, there are holidays like "Vernal Equinox Day" that celebrate nature, while in Asia, there are holidays like "Nowruz (Persian New Year)" that celebrate the beginning of the new year. In Europe, holidays like "St. Patrick's Day" celebrate national pride.
Q. Why is Vernal Equinox Day a holiday?
A. Vernal Equinox Day is a day when the length of day and night are almost equal. In Japan, it is a day to "praise nature and cherish living things." It is also closely associated with "Ohigan," a period for honoring ancestors.
Q. Is there a connection between Vernal Equinox Day and Easter?
A. There is no direct connection, but both holidays symbolize the "arrival of spring" and the "rebirth of life." Vernal Equinox Day is based on the movement of the sun, while Easter is celebrated on the Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox.
6. Preview of the Next Series: "History" and "Spring Festivals" in April Holidays
In this introduction to "March Holidays," we have seen that the culture of celebrating the arrival of spring is rooted in different forms in various countries. While Japan's "Vernal Equinox Day" is a day to respect nature and ancestors, Asia's "Nowruz" is grandly celebrated as the new year, and Europe's "St. Patrick's Day" symbolizes national pride.
So, what holidays are there in April? Next time, we will focus on holidays with historical backgrounds and vibrant spring festivals, such as Japan's "Showa Day" and Thailand's "Songkran (Water Festival)."
✅ Showa Day (Japan) - Why was Emperor Showa's birthday retained as "Showa Day"?
✅ Songkran (Thailand) - "Why do people splash water on each other during the new year?" The surprising origins of this custom.
✅ Easter (Western countries) - What is the significance of eggs and rabbits in Easter celebrations?
In April, holidays that "reflect on history" and "celebrate the rebirth of life" are held in various countries around the world. How do different countries welcome spring and celebrate a new era? Stay tuned for the next installment!
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