72 Seasons: December

In Japan, there are 72 subdivision seasons called the shichijuni kou. The seasons are named after the birds, insects, plants, and weather of each change in nature every five days.

小雪 Shōsetsu (Lesser Snow)

• December 2–6: 橘始黄 Tachibana hajimete kibamu (Oranges Start to Turn Yellow & Ripen)

大雪 Taisetsu (Greater Snow)

• December 7–11: 閉塞成冬 Sora samuku fuyu to naru (Heaven & Earth Closed Into Winter)
• December 12–16: 熊蟄穴 Kuma ana ni komoru (Bears Start Hibernating in Caves)
• December 17–21: 鱖魚群 Sake no uo muragaru (Salmon Gather & Swim Upstream)

冬至 Tōji (Winter Solstice)

• December 22–26: 乃東生 Natsukarekusa shōzu (Self-heal Sprouts)
• December 27–31: 麋角解 Sawashika no tsuno otsuru (Deer Shed Antlers)

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Orange is considered an auspicious color in Japanese culture, symbolizing longevity and prosperity. During the New Year, oranges play a vital role in traditions, most notably as the crowning decoration of kagami mochi. This placement represents the wish for a healthy and enduring family that will thrive for generations to come. The vibrant orange atop the mochi is a metaphor for eternal vitality and abundance.

In early December, light snow gradually deepens into heavy drifts, marking the arrival of Taisetsu (大雪), which translates to "great snow." The first season of Taisetsu is called “閉塞成冬” (Heaven and Earth Closed into Winter). Blanketed by thick layers of snow, the world becomes still and subdued. Movement outdoors becomes challenging, prompting both people and animals to retreat indoors or into shelters. This quiet encapsulates the serene essence of winter, as though the world itself is at rest.

Bears, having feasted on nutrient-rich berries throughout the fall, prepare for hibernation. They accumulate ample fat reserves and spend the winter in caves, fasting and conserving energy until the arrival of spring.

Salmon holds a special place in Japanese history as a prized winter food, valued since prehistoric times. Born in rivers, salmon journey to the sea with the melting snow, maturing in the vast ocean before returning en masse to their natal rivers to spawn. This remarkable cycle has made salmon a symbol of perseverance and renewal. Its roe, in particular, is associated with the prosperity of future generations, and both are believed to ward off misfortune.

The winter solstice, the day with the shortest daylight and longest night, is a time steeped in tradition. To promote health and fortune, the Japanese customarily eat pumpkin and indulge in soothing yuzu (citron) baths, both believed to protect against illness and cold. Despite the season’s harshness, some signs of resilience emerge: the herb Self-heal, known for its purple blooms, begins to sprout again. It defies the cold, having withered completely during the peak heat of summer.

In the animal world, male deer naturally shed their impressive antlers during this time. These antlers, a testament to strength and regrowth, will reappear in spring, even larger and more majestic than before. This seasonal shedding and renewal mirror the cycles of nature, offering a quiet reminder of life's enduring resilience even in the depth of winter.

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橘始黄 Tachibana hajimete kibamu (Oranges Start to Turn Yellow & Ripen)

閉塞成冬 Sora samuku fuyu to naru (Heaven & Earth Closed Into Winter)

熊蟄穴 Kuma ana ni komoru (Bears Start Hibernating in Caves)

鱖魚群 Sake no uo muragaru (Salmon Gather & Swim Upstream)

乃東生 Natsukarekusa shōzu (Self-heal Sprouts)

麋角解 Sawashika no tsuno otsuru (Deer Shed Antlers)