Yesterday (2/19), it seems that “Haruichiban” blew in northern Kyushu (including Yamaguchi Prefecture) and Shikoku.  Haruichiban is the first strong southerly wind that blows between Risshun and Shunbun(the vernal equinox).  Haruichiban has not yet blown in Kansai, but plum blossoms are just one step away from full bloom in the plum garden nearby.  Above all, the weeping plum tree, whose only green young branches were conspicuous when seen before, is spouting out flowers like a fountain from the earth.  The temperature is gradually rising, so it seems that spring will open at once before the Peach Festival, which is approaching in less than two weeks.

昨日(2/19)は、九州北部地方(山口県を含む)と四国で「春一番」が吹いたそうです。春一番は、立春から春分の間に吹く、初めての強い南寄りの風のことです。関西ではまだ春一番は吹いていませんが、近くの梅園では梅の花が満開の一歩手前です。中でも、前に見た時には青い若枝ばかりが目立った枝垂れ梅が、大地から吹き出す噴水の様に花を吹き出しています。気温も徐々に上がってきていますから、もう２週間足らずに迫った桃の節句までには一気に春が開けそうです。