Autumn Moon Festival
In Japan, the Autumn Moon Festival, or Moon Viewing (Tsukimi) falls on the 15th night of the 8th lunar moon. In 2026, that is September 25.
As I am the gifted recipient of the Sakuraco tea boxes each month, I was happy to learn more about these traditions and to try this month’s tea. Following is their description for Golden Roasted Hojicha - Hagiri (Shizuoka).
“Savor a moment of calm with this hojicha, crafted from the roasted tea stems grown in the mountain regions of Shizuoka. When brewed, it produces an aromatic golden infusion with a mellow body and gentle warmth.”
Dry leaves: small crushed stems, golden in colour
Aroma: roasted scent with hint of dried beans
Liquor: golden yellow, with some residue (finely cut stems)
Flavour: mild, pleasant, slightly lingers in the mouth, toasted grains, slightly sweet
This flavourful tea was served with a piece of Koshian Daifuku by Adachi Confectionery (Gifu), on this lovely autumn festival square plate. This daifuku is mildly sweet with the lovely flavour of red bean paste. With regards to the rabbit imagery associated with this festival, I found the following explanation.
“The Otsukimi festival is also often adorned with rabbit imagery, stemming from the Japanese folktale of Tsuki no Usagi. According to the tale, the Old Man from the Moon, disguised as a beggar, encountered a monkey, a fox, and a rabbit gathered around a fire. He expressed his hunger and requested food from them. The monkey and the fox procured fruits, nuts, and fish, while the rabbit, unable to find any food, made an incredible sacrifice by leaping into the fire to offer itself as sustenance. Touched by this act of selflessness, the Old Man from the Moon resurrected the rabbit, allowing it to live with him eternally on the moon. This is why, in Japan, instead of seeing a man in the moon, they envision a rabbit pounding mochi. ”
May you take the time to appreciate the full moon this month (and every month), and enjoy a warm cup of tea!
Happy Sipping! 🍵
[1] Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix (2023) Otsukimi – History and Tradition. Posted online October 3, 2023.
