Swallows Return

玄鳥至つばめきたる

つばめが南から帰ってくる

SpringApril 5〜April 9

In English

Swallows come back from the south and rebuild their nests, often over the entrance of a shop. Many shopkeepers leave them alone, believing the nest brings business.

つばめが南から帰り、店先などに巣を作り直す。巣があると商売繁盛といわれ、そのままにする店主も多い。

The solar term it belongs to

Clear and BrightせいめいSeimei means "clear and bright." The air is clean, the new leaves are out, and everything looks freshly washed. In Okinawa, families gather at the graves for a picnic called shiimii.

In English

The solar term it belongs to

Japanese culture around April