HIGAN

17 March

17 (Wednesday) to 23 March (Tuesday)

20 March (Saturday) SHUNBUN NO HI

Japanese

Marks the Spring equinox. As at the Autumn equinox, harmony and balance are the themes. Sutras are recited, and the graves of relatives are visited.

The equinoctial week of spring called Higan is known as the week many Japanese visit a grave of one’s ancestors with thanksgiving in March. They visit during the middle three days of this week in the Spring (March) and also in the Autumn (September). See the September entry for more details.