As the seasons transition from summer’s warmth to autumn’s cool embrace, the skies offer a special opportunity to connect with nature through an ancient tradition—Otsukimi, or moon viewing. Rooted in centuries of Japanese culture, Otsukimi is a way to appreciate the beauty of the moon, particularly during two important nights: Jugo-ya, the fifteenth night, and Jusan-ya, the thirteenth night.
This year, Jugo-ya falls on September 17, 2024, while Jusan-ya will be on October 15, 2024. Although we’ll be hosting our moon-viewing event on October 19, I encourage you to begin your journey with Jugo-ya, the traditional September harvest moon viewing, and follow through to Jusan-ya in October. Why celebrate both? According to legend, it is said to be unlucky to only view the moon once, and taking part in both events completes the cycle of autumn moon appreciation.
Jugo-ya: Celebrating the Harvest Moon
Jugo-ya is the better-known of the two moon viewing nights, falling on the fifteenth night of the eighth month in the traditional Japanese lunar calendar. In modern times, this usually translates to mid or late September. In 2024, it will be on September 17. The moon on this night is known as the Chushu-no-meigetsu or “Harvest Moon,” and it is considered the most beautiful and brightest full moon of the year. In Japan, people celebrate this occasion with offerings of dango (sweet rice dumplings), susuki (pampas grass), and seasonal produce like chestnuts and taro to give thanks for a bountiful harvest.
The serene act of gazing up at the full moon on Jugo-ya is not only a reminder of nature’s bounty but also an invitation to pause and reflect. If you’ve never participated in Otsukimi before, Jugo-ya is a wonderful introduction to this time-honored practice.
Jusan-ya: The Thirteenth Night’s Lesser-Known Elegance
While Jugo-ya often takes center stage, Jusan-ya—the thirteenth night of the ninth month (typically October)—is just as important. In 2024, Jusan-ya will fall on October 15. Unlike Jugo-ya’s full moon, the moon on Jusan-ya is slightly waning, making it more subtle in appearance. This night is often called the Kuri-meigetsu or “Chestnut Moon” because chestnuts and other autumnal crops are traditionally harvested and offered during this time.
Jusan-ya is thought of as a continuation of the lunar appreciation that began in September, offering a chance to view the moon in a different light—one that speaks to the quieter, more introspective qualities of autumn. It’s a less prominent celebration but one that rewards those who take the time to observe its understated beauty.
Why Both Moon Viewings Matter
There’s an old saying that if you only view the moon on Jugo-ya and skip Jusan-ya or vice versa, it brings bad luck. The idea behind this is that nature’s beauty is meant to be observed as a whole, and to appreciate one aspect without the other leaves something incomplete. By participating in both Jugo-ya and Jusan-ya, you not only avoid this superstition but also deepen your connection to the changing seasons.
Join Us for Our Moon Viewing on October 19, 2024, and Start with Your Own Jugo-ya!
Although our moon-viewing event will be held on October 19, 2024, just a few days after Jusan-ya, you can start with your Jugo-ya celebration on September 17, 2024. Whether it’s gathering with friends and family, preparing traditional offerings, or simply sitting quietly under the full moon, your Jugo-ya experience can set the stage for a beautiful autumn of lunar appreciation.
As we look forward to our event together, let’s honor the full cycle of Otsukimi by starting with the Harvest Moon. After all, the moon shines its brightest when we take the time to appreciate its many phases.
We will be posting more info about our October 19th event soon, please watch our calendar and social media for details.
