The “Japanese SAIJIKI” (Book of Seasons) was compiled by Yoshifuru Kaibara, under the direction of his uncle, Confucian scholar and herbalists Ekiken Kaibara. The source material for the SAIJIKI came from the Chinese “KEISO SAIJIKI,” an explanation of traditional customs and events throughout the year. The “Japanese SAIJIKI” introduces the seasonal habits and events of the Japanese people and explains their origins by quoting classical works like the “KEISO SAIJIKI.” It also records seasonal plants and animals for each of the 24 seasons of the luni-solar calendar. The “Japanese SAIJIKI” doesn’t simply quote classical references; Ekiken and Yoshifuru voice their opinions through occasional lifestyle tips, various warnings, Waka style Japanese poetry, Chinese style poems, and mentions of the culinary and medical uses for various flora and fauna. This Book of Seasons could also be called an encyclopedic household reference book.

This illustration explains Moon Viewing as the customary event of the 15th day of the 8th month in the luni-solar calendar. This is called Mid-Autumn, the middle of the 90 days of autumn. In the luni-solar calendar, the moon starts from a new moon on the 1st day of each month, growing to a full moon on the 15 day. Because the 7th, 8th, and 9th months comprise autumn, the 15th day of the 8th month is the exact middle of the season.

In this picture, people in the banquet hall gaze upon the reflection of the Moon rippling on the surface of the water. It records, “Tonight is the exact middle of autumn, a special reason to admire the Moon. It is called Moon Evening or Three-Five* Evening.” (*Three-Five is a humorous way to write fifteen: 3x5=15.)

Also in the “Japanese SAIJIKI,” the 15th day of the 1st month says “This is the first of the 12 ‘Round Moons’ in one year. Refined people need to enjoy the Moon this night.” The 13th day of the 9th month records, “Japanese people, admire the Moon this night. It is just like Mid-Autumn.”

In 2014, Mid-Autumn’s Harvest Moon will be Monday, September 8.