What is Tsukimi?

In our last blog post, we took a look at the Mid-Autumn Festival that is celebrated in China and many other southeast Asian countries. The festival is held on the 15day of the 8month of the lunar calendar. On this day, Tsukimi is held in Japan and is a similar festivity; however, there are some differences. Here is how the Harvest Moon Festival is celebrated in Japan.

Tsukimi, otherwise known as O-tsukimi, is a moon viewing festival celebrated in Japan at the time of the Harvest Moon. It is thought that this festival was influenced by the similar Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, and was introduced to the country during the Heian period of 794-1185. Originally, Tsukimi was a party-like celebration. It began with aristocrats taking to the water on their boats to admire the reflections of the moon, while reading traditional Japanese poetry. Until the 1800s, the festival was a time for partying into the night in celebration of the moon.

Nowadays, the celebration is approached in a quieter manner, with a few traditions held for the occasion, including decorating the home with Japanese pampas grass and autumnal flowers.

As part of the festivities, people will gather in places where they can clearly view the moon. Here they will lay out and display an assortment of edible offerings, giving thanks to the moon. These will often be seasonal ingredients, and sweet potatoes are one of the most common items to be offered. In some areas of Japan, this part of the festival is known as Imomeigetsu, meaning ‘Potato Harvest Moon’.

Image Credit: pokpok313

Which foods are served for Tsukimi?

Like many festivals, in addition to the food offerings provided to the moon, several dishes will be prepared for those attending the celebrations. One of the most traditional Japanese dishes for the festivities are dango, which are Japanese dumplings. Normally, these dumplings are served on a skewer and are sweetened with a syrup sauce. The Tsukimi dango, however, are served plain and arranged in a stacked tower, like an altar, representing an offering to the moon.

In addition to this, udon or soba noodles will be served up in a broth, topped with raw egg and nori. The traditional Chinese baked treat, Mooncakes, which are enjoyed primarily at the Mid-Autumn Festival, are also eaten in Japan for Tsukimi.

What happens if you can’t see the moon?

On occasions when the moon is covered by clouds or isn’t at its fullest, the celebrations still go ahead on the designated day. There are Japanese terms which have been created to refer to such occasions when the moon cannot be seen in full on this special day; Ugetsu means ‘rain-moon’, while Mugetsu means ‘no-moon’.

If you are looking to make a Tsukimi inspired meal, including mooncakes or Japanese udon noodles, then look no further than Oriental Mart, as we have all the ingredients you will need to create delicious Japanese dishes!