shigatsu

Shigatsu is a Japanese term that refers to the fourth month of the traditional calendar, which begins on the first day of spring, known as "seijin no hi" or, roughly translated, the "Spring Festival". However, in modern usage, Shigatsu may also refer to the word for "April" in Japanese.

In traditional Japanese culture, the month of April was a significant period for agricultural and seasonal activities. It marked the beginning of the growing season, and many iconic spring festivals took place during this time. For example, the Cherry Blossom Festival (Matsuri) is celebrated in many parts of Japan, especially in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto.

The Shigatsu season was also a time of renewal and new beginnings, symbolized by the blooming of cherry blossoms and the return of warmth and humidity to the country after a cold winter. During this period, people would typically clean and purify their homes, prepare for the upcoming rice harvest, and engage in various cultural and festive activities.

In present times, the term Shigatsu has largely lost its traditional agricultural and seasonal connotations and is mostly used to refer to the month of April in a more general sense. Nevertheless, the cultural significance and symbolic meaning of Shigatsu continue to be celebrated and observed in various aspects of Japanese culture and tradition.