Rittō: The Start of Winter in the Japanese Seasonal Calendar
Today, November 7, 2024, marks Rittō, one of the 24 sekki (seasonal divisions) in the Japanese calendar. Rittō is the official start of winter. Although it might feel a little early to call it winter, Rittō literally means “the day when autumn ends and the first hints of winter appear,” so you could say it anticipates the change in seasons slightly ahead of time.
The 24 sekki divides the year into four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—and further splits each season into six parts, creating 24 distinct seasonal markers. This system helps anticipate seasonal shifts, making it invaluable for agricultural practices, which still rely on these divisions today.
As Rittō Passes, Tokyo's Fall Leaves Begin to Peak
After Rittō passes, fall leaves in Tokyo are expected to peak. Tokyo is home to many Japanese gardens that have been around since the Edo period, and visiting these traditional gardens is especially recommended for viewing fall leaves.
Around Kagurazaka, where we hold our authentic cultural experience tours, there is the famous Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s most renowned. Near Tomita Sen Kogei, a dyeing studio in Waseda where we hold dyeing workshops, there are also beautiful and free-access spots like Higo Hosokawa Garden and Kansen-en Park, both perfect for strolling while enjoying the fall leaves. In Japanese, viewing fall leaves is called Momiji-gari.
The Connection Between Fall Leaves and Deer in Japanese Culture
On another note, what animal comes to mind when you think of fall leaves? In Japan, fall leaves are associated with deer. In fact, “fall leaves” (Momiji) are often used as a metaphor for deer. This association comes from the traditional Japanese playing cards called Hanafuda. Originating from the Tensho Karuta playing cards of the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573-1603), Hanafuda cards feature various combinations of seasonal motifs and play patterns.
Seasonal Elegance in Japanese Culture: The Symbolism of Deer and Fall Leaves in Hanafuda and Geisha Name Cards
The Hanafuda cards are divided into twelve sets, each representing the scenery of a different month of the year. October’s set depicts a deer amidst fall leaves. Even today, Kagurazaka geisha use “deer and fall leaves” motifs on their personal name cards, known as Senjafuda. The Karyūkai (the world of geisha) emphasizes seasonal elegance, and it’s not unusual to find geisha using such seasonal motifs in their Senjafuda. This attention to seasonal themes in design is what we call Fūryū—a refined sense of beauty in Japanese culture. These Senjafuda are given as gifts from the geisha to participants in our geisha tours.
The Hidden Meaning of 'Momiji (fall leaves)'
But why use a metaphor for deer in the first place? Why not simply say “deer”? During the Edo period (1603-1868), the Shogunate issued the Edicts on Compassion for Living Things (1685), a law that prohibited killing animals. People who still wanted to eat meat would refer to venison by the metaphor Momiji to hide its true nature. Although deer meat is only consumed as a game nowadays, in the Edo period, it was a secret delicacy enjoyed along with wild boar.
Enhance Your Japan Experience with Cultural Knowledge of Fall Traditions
For international travelers, learning about Rittō (the start of winter), Momiji-gari (the tradition of viewing fall leaves), and Momiji ni Shika (Momiji as a metaphor for deer) might make you feel like a true expert on Japanese culture. Learning the Japanese words and cultural nuances surrounding the fall leaves, which are so beloved by the Japanese, can also add a unique layer to your travels.
Remembering these cultural points can bring more enjoyment to your trip to Japan. Try using these words in conversation, and you might surprise Japanese people with your knowledge, sparking new friendships along the way!
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How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
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