— A quiet night of gratitude beneath the full moon in Japan —

Introduction: Looking Up at the Moon

On a crisp autumn night, the full moon rises over Japan. Known as the “Mid-Autumn Moon” or Tsukimi, this tradition invites people to gaze at the moon, offer dumplings, and reflect in silence. It’s more than a seasonal custom—it’s a moment of gratitude, prayer, and connection with nature and others.

1. What Is the Mid-Autumn Moon? Lunar Calendar vs. Solar Calendar

Japan’s Mid-Autumn Moon Festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th month in the lunar calendar. In 2025, this corresponds to October 6 (Monday). The tradition originated from China’s Mid-Autumn Festival and was introduced to Japan during the Nara period. Initially celebrated by aristocrats through poetry and moon-viewing parties, it later became a harvest ritual among common people.

👉 Reference: National Astronomical Observatory of Japan

2. The Meaning of Moon Dumplings: Shape and Symbolism

Tsukimi dumplings are round and white, resembling the full moon. Their shape symbolizes harmony, family unity, and completeness. The white color represents purity and sacredness.

Traditionally, 15 dumplings are stacked in a pyramid to honor the 15th night. In western Japan, some regions also celebrate the “Thirteenth Night” with 13 dumplings.

👉 Reference: Japan Wagashi Association

3. Why Pampas Grass? A Substitute for Rice Ears

Pampas grass (susuki) is placed beside the dumplings as a symbolic offering. Originally, rice ears were used to pray for a good harvest, but pampas grass became a substitute. It’s also believed to ward off evil spirits and adds a poetic touch to the moonlit scene.

4. Praying to the Moon: Religion and Nature

• Shinto: The moon is governed by Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto, a sacred deity.
• Buddhism: The moon represents enlightenment and impermanence.
• Folk beliefs: People pray for health, harvest, and children’s growth.

👉 Reference: Association of Shinto Shrines

5. Modern Tsukimi: Convenience Store Sweets and Social Media

Today, Tsukimi has evolved. Instead of traditional dumplings, people enjoy “Moon-viewing puddings,” pancakes, and even burgers. Convenience stores launch seasonal Tsukimi menus, and social media is filled with moon photos and dumpling arrangements under hashtags like #Tsukimi and #MidAutumnMoon.

👉 Reference: Lawson Seasonal Products

6. Comparing Traditions: Japan vs. Other Asian Countries

In China, Taiwan, and Korea, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a national holiday celebrated with mooncakes and family gatherings. Japan’s Tsukimi is quieter and more personal—less about celebration, more about reflection. It’s not a holiday, but a cultural moment woven into everyday life.

👉 Reference: BBC Travel (Search: “Mid-Autumn Festival”)

7. Looking Up at the Moon: Silence and Gratitude

Tsukimi is not just about looking—it’s about feeling. The moon shines equally on everyone, crossing borders and languages. In Japan, moon-viewing is a quiet act of appreciation for life, nature, and invisible connections.

Conclusion: What You Can Do on Tsukimi Night

On October 6, take a moment to look up. Offer dumplings, enjoy a seasonal sweet, or simply sit in silence. Whether you’re in Japan or abroad, Tsukimi invites you to reflect, give thanks, and feel the gentle presence of tradition beneath the moonlight.

月見団子だけじゃない：中秋の名月に込められた祈りと感謝

〜日本人が月を見上げる夜、その静かな心の物語〜

はじめに：月を見上げるという文化

秋の夜空に浮かぶ満月。日本では「中秋の名月」と呼ばれ、古くから人々が月を眺めながら団子を供え、静かに祈りを捧げてきました。この記事では、日本の月見文化を「月見団子」だけにとどまらず、その歴史的背景、宗教的要素、現代の楽しみ方まで、海外の読者にもわかりやすく紹介します。

1. 中秋の名月とは？：旧暦と現代のズレ

「中秋の名月」は旧暦の8月15日にあたる日。2025年は10月6日（月）がその日にあたります。古代中国の「中秋節」に由来し、日本には奈良時代に伝わりました。

👉 参考：国立天文台

2. 月見団子の意味：形と数に込められた祈り

白くて丸い団子は満月の形を模し、「円満」「調和」「家族のつながり」を象徴します。関東では15個、関西では十三夜に13個供える地域もあります。

👉 参考：全国和菓子協会

3. ススキを飾る理由：稲穂の代わりとしての信仰

ススキは収穫前の稲穂の代用品であり、魔除けの力があるとされます。風に揺れる姿は秋の静けさと儚さを象徴します。

4. 月に祈るという行為：宗教と自然観

• 神道：月読命が司る神聖な存在
• 仏教：悟りや無常の象徴
• 民間信仰：健康・豊作・成長祈願

👉 参考：神社本庁

5. 現代の月見：コンビニスイーツとSNS文化

月見プリンや月見バーガーなど、現代的なスイーツが登場。SNSでは「#月見団子」「#中秋の名月」などの投稿が広がっています。

👉 参考：ローソン公式サイト

6. 海外との比較：Mid-Autumn Festivalとの違い

中国や台湾では祝日として家族で祝いますが、日本では静かに月を眺める風習として根付いています。

👉 参考：BBC Travel（検索キーワード：Mid-Autumn Festival）

7. 月を見上げるということ：心の静けさと感謝

月見とは、自然の美しさに心を向け、静かに感謝する時間。月は国境も言語も超えて人々の心を照らします。

おわりに：月見の夜にできること

今年の中秋の名月には、ぜひ月を見上げてみてください。団子を供えるもよし、スイーツを楽しむもよし。月を通して「誰かを思うこと」「自然に感謝すること」「自分と向き合うこと」が大切です。