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穀雨は春の終わりに降り大地にみのりをもたらす雨のこと。特に雨がよく降るころではありませんが、立夏を前に降る雨は、新芽を若々しい新緑へ成長させてくれます。遠景の山々は新緑に包まれ、木々によって異なった色調の緑を呈した若葉で山並みを美しく彩っています。その姿はあたかも若い生命が力一杯個性を競うかのようで清々しい鮮烈さを感じさせてくれます。

今年の立夏は五月五日、端午の節句にあたります。五月五日に採る薬草は特に薬効があるとされ、六百十一年のこの日に推古天皇が大和の兎田野(奈良県宇陀)で「薬狩り」を催しました。その後、薬草とともに沈香や丁子などの香料を錦の袋に詰めて「薬玉(くすだま)」とし、五色の糸を垂らして飾るようになりました。この先にやってくる厳しい真夏に備えるもので、延命長寿、無病息災を願ったのでしょう。その薬草の中には菖蒲、蓬が含まれていて、それが今では端午の節句に欠かせないものになりました。

古の人々は季節の移ろいを感じ取り、その恵みに歓び、その厳しさを畏れ、常に畏敬の念を忘れずに生きてきたのでしょう。伝え残る行事や習慣には、今の人が忘れてしまった大切な心が示されているように思えます。

“Grain Rain” refers to the rain that falls at the end of spring, bringing nourishment to the earth. Although it is not a period of particularly frequent rainfall, the rain that falls before the beginning of summer helps new buds grow into fresh, vibrant greenery. In the distance, the mountains are wrapped in new green foliage, and the young leaves, each tree displaying its own shade of green, beautifully color the mountain landscape. The scene gives a refreshing and vivid impression, as if young life were energetically expressing its individuality.

This year, the Beginning of Summer falls on May 5, which coincides with the Boys’ Festival (Tango no Sekku). It is said that medicinal herbs gathered on May 5 are especially effective. On this day in the year 611, Empress Suiko held a “herb-gathering（Kusurigari）” event in Utano (present-day Uda, Nara). Later, aromatic substances such as aloeswood and clove, along with medicinal herbs, were placed into brocade bags to make “kusudama” (scented medicine balls), which were decorated with five-colored threads. These were meant to prepare for the coming harsh midsummer, expressing wishes for longevity and good health. Among these herbs were iris and mugwort, which have since become essential elements of the Boys’ Festival.

People of ancient times perceived the changing of the seasons, rejoiced in their blessings, and revered their severity, always living with a sense of awe. The traditions and customs that have been passed down seem to embody important values that people today may have forgotten.

* Grain Rain to Beginning of Summer : The traditional East Asian calendars divide a year into 24 solar terms. “Grain Rain” is the 6th solar term and on April 20th. “Beginning of Summer” is the 7th solar term and on May 5th.