“Koharubiyori (小春日和)” refers to the warm and tranquil days that occur between late autumn and early winter, as if spring had momentarily returned. These fleeting moments of warmth, arriving just as the footsteps of winter grow near, have deeply rooted themselves in the hearts of the Japanese as a special time that offers a brief sense of solace.
The term itself carries a particular beauty. “Koharu (小春）” is another name for the tenth month of the old lunar calendar, corresponding roughly to mid-November through early December in the modern calendar, while “biyori (=hiyori 日和)” refers to the state of the weather. In essence, “koharubiyori” describes the serene weather of the Koharu season. The sound of this word encapsulates the delicate imagery and the appreciation of seasons that are quintessentially Japanese.
Interestingly, similar phenomena and expressions exist in other parts of the world. In the United States, it’s called “Indian Summer,” while in Europe, terms like “St. Martin’s Summer” or “Old Wives’ Summer” are used. However, these phrases tend to focus more on the end of autumn, whereas “koharubiyori” uniquely captures the feeling of enjoying a moment of spring-like warmth even as we stand at the gateway to winter.
In recent years, however, climate change has started to disrupt the special meaning of “koharubiyori.” This December, too, has seen unusually warm days, leaving me wondering, “Where has koharubiyori gone?” Once cherished for its rarity within a specific time frame, the concept seems to be losing its distinctiveness amid the unpredictable warmth of modern winters.
This shift affects more than just the weather—it could also impact the sense of the seasons deeply ingrained in our lives and culture. There’s a concern that the Japanese sensibility of cherishing nature’s transitions and valuing each fleeting moment might gradually fade away.
Still, I hope we can hold onto the rich emotions embodied in the word “koharubiyori.” Even as nature’s rhythms change, if we can align our hearts with those changes and find moments of beauty within any season, we may discover a new form of “koharubiyori” to cherish.
As we face the significant challenges of climate change, perhaps it’s time to pause and reflect on the importance of the calm and peaceful moments that “koharubiyori” represents.
Comments