🍂AUTUMN EQUINOX🙏
Today is Shūbun-no-hi (秋分の日 'Autumn Equinox Day’)📿
Typically falling on September 22nd or 23rd, this time of year coincides with the Buddhist observances 'Shūki Higan-e' (秋季彼岸会 'Autumn Equinoctial Services'). It has been a national holiday since 1948.
Prior to 1947 (starting in 1878) a religious holiday called Shūki Kōreisai (秋季皇霊祭) was observed at this time. This Shinto-centered celebration gave thanks for the upcoming harvest and honoured past emperors, members of the imperial family, and ancestors.
In Buddhism the equinox is known as Higan (彼岸).
Higan translates as 'Other Shore', a reference to the far shore of the 'Sanzu-no-kawa' (三途の川 'River of the 3 Crossings').
Similar to the River Styx in Greek Mythology, the dead would cross the river to reach the afterlife.
Complementing Higan (彼岸) is Shigan (此岸), meaning the 'Near Shore'.
Higan is the Pure Land (the World of Buddha), whereas Shigan is our world (the World of the Living).
At equinox, day and night are of equal length, and thus the world is in perfect balance.
Camellia Tea Ceremony