Jugoya (Night with the Harvest Moon).

Jugoya of 2009 is Oct. 3rd.
Because it is based on the old calender and the waxing & waning of the moon, a date of Jugoya is different each year.



In this season, sky is high and clear, and we can view the beautiful moon.
Japanese people are enjoying a traditional moon-viewing custom that is called "Tsukimi" or "O-tsukimi" every year from about 9 century.
The aristocracy in 9 century were not viewing moon directly, but were enjoying moon that is reflected in ponds or sake cups.


Generally, Dango (dumplings of rice powder), boiled taro, Japanese pampas grasses or sometimes fruits in season are offered now.
A lot of people eat Tsukimi-Dango (dumplings of moon-viewing) at least.
It's similar to the "Thanksgiving Day" of USA.



Tsukimi-Dango is roundly, white and isn't seasoned.
It express moon.
After be offered, people season it with something and eat it.
For example sugar, soybean flour, bean jam (sweet bean paste) or soy sauce.



In the west Japan around Osaka, Tsukimi-Dango is oval, sweet and is covered with bean jam.
It express moon that is a little overcast with clouds.
Or, it express taro too.



And recently, Dango in the shape of a rabbit have appeared.
The reason is there is a popular tradition that a rabbit in the moon is pounding steamed rice into rice cake.
It's so cute!





My Tsukimi-Dango is of course west Japan style.
Though it's a little early, I ate it today and it was so delicious!
And I'll view the full moon on Oct. 3rd.
I hope tomorrow will be fine weather.






P.S.
Look at Google Japan by end of Oct. 3rd in Japanese time! ^^

P.S.2.
Perfectly cloudy tonight...sad...(T-T)