Shunbun no Hi, or Vernal Equinox Day, is a national holiday in Japan observed around March 20 or 21, marking the precise moment when day and night are of equal length. While it may appear on the surface to be a secular observance of seasonal change, Shunbun no Hi is deeply rooted in spiritual, cultural, and philosophical traditions, blending Shinto, Buddhist, and natural reverence into a quietly profound reflection on balance, impermanence, and renewal.
The equinox has long held symbolic significance in Japanese cosmology and seasonal awareness. Shunbun no Hi is celebrated as part of the seven-day Buddhist observance of Higan, which occurs both in spring and autumn. Higan (meaning “the other shore”) is a metaphor for crossing from this world of suffering and illusion (samsara) to enlightenment, or Nirvana. The equinox, with its natural balance of light and darkness, serves as a physical and spiritual reminder of the middle path—a central teaching of Buddhism that advocates moderation and harmony.
Traditionally, this period is used to visit the graves of ancestors, offer flowers, incense, and prayers, and to reflect on the transience of life. Families gather to clean tombs, meditate, and pay their respects, not only out of filial duty but as a way of honouring continuity and impermanence. In this way, Shunbun no Hi becomes a bridge—between generations, between inner and outer worlds, and between life and death.
Spiritually, Shunbun no Hi offers a meditative stillness within the wheel of the year. It is a time to contemplate one’s actions, renew intentions, and embrace the gentle equilibrium between opposing forces. The changing light becomes a teacher, guiding the soul to recognise that change itself is sacred, and that growth requires both effort and surrender.
In Shinto tradition, which reveres nature and seasonal cycles as expressions of divine presence (kami), the equinox is a moment of gratitude. The return of spring is not only a physical reality but a spiritual awakening—a reminder of the interconnection of all life, and of the divine breath in blossoms, wind, and soil. Many rituals during this time involve offerings of seasonal foods, sake, or flowers at family altars or shrines.
Philosophically, Shunbun no Hi embodies wa, the Japanese concept of harmony. It affirms that balance is not static but dynamic, and that peace arises from attentive, respectful engagement with the world. It encourages living in rhythm with nature, and understanding oneself as part of a larger, interdependent whole.
Culturally, the festival is marked by simple acts of reverence: quiet walks under cherry blossoms, the sharing of traditional foods like botamochi (sweet rice cakes with red bean paste), and the tending of family altars. These are not grand gestures, but expressions of grace in the everyday—a key aspect of Japanese aesthetic and spiritual life.
Shunbun no Hi is ultimately a celebration of sacred balance and presence. It asks nothing more than awareness—of the turning light, of the breath, of the loved ones who came before, and of the miracle of this moment. It is a soft yet powerful invitation to pause, to offer thanks, and to begin again in harmony with the world.
