MATSUI, Takako

Abstract

text紀要論文 / Departmental Bulletin PaperThree major events, Hanami, the New Fiscal Year, and April Foolʼs Day, make the month April well known. Among these events, the Hanami holds a special significance as a seasonal tradition that people have observed since ancient times. The cherry blossoms during Hanami symbolize April. In Japan, Hanami involves people gathering in groups to appreciate the flowers while enjoying food and drink, which is not as popular in other countries. In ancient times, Hanami served as an agricultural ritual to pray for a fruitful harvest when they began farming in the spring and a pre-celebration for the annual harvest. This agricultural ritual became closely associated with cherry blossoms, where flower viewing became a cherished tradition accompanied by eating and drinking. In urban areas where people do not farm, Hanami has grown into a popular pastime rather than an agricultural ritual and has continued. Besides Hanami, April also marks the start of a new fiscal year. In the late 19th century, the solar calendar introduced a separate budgetary year as noteworthy as the traditional new year. The end of the budgetary year and the beginning of the new fiscal year roughly align with the cherry blossom season in many parts of Japan. April 1st was a day for changing clothes in the pre-modern lunar calendar. The new calendar in the modern era made this day synonymous with April Foolʼs Day, a foreign concept where telling lies is acceptable. Over time, it has also taken on a seasonal association. However, unlike Hanami, it does not gain widespread popularity or become a cherished activity for many individuals.departmental bulletin pape