Today is May 1st, “88th night”.  It is one of nine miscellaneous seasonal events in a year. It is a special calendar day set up to more accurately grasp the changing seasons, and is mainly related to agriculture.  Late spring frost is of utmost concern to farmers, and it is generally said that late frost occurs until around 88 nights, as it is said to be “parting frost of 88 nights” or “crying frost of 88 nights”.  However, depending on the year, frost may occur until mid-May, causing agricultural damage.  “88th night” are a miscellaneous seasonal event unique to Japan, and the tea picked on this day is considered to be of good quality, and it is said that drinking tea on this day will lead to a long life.  Tea has become an inseparable lifestyle for Japanese people.  “Cha wo tate, ippuku(Take tea and take a break)” is a symbolic word to describe it.

今日は５月１日、八十八夜です。一年で九つある雑節の一つです。雑節とは季節の移り変わりをより的確に掴むために設けられた特別な暦日で、主に農事に関わる日です。農事にとって春の遅霜は最大の関心事で「八十八夜の別れ霜」「八十八夜の泣き霜」などといわれるように、一般に霜は八十八夜ごろまで遅霜が発生すると言われていますが、年によっては５月半ばまで霜が降りることもあり、農業被害が発生することもあります。八十八夜は日本独自の雑節で、この日に摘んだ茶は上等なものとされ、この日にお茶を飲むと長生きするともいわれています。お茶は日本人にとっては切っても切れない生活習慣になっています。「茶を点て、一服」はそれを端的に表す言葉です。