節気

• Reading: せっき
• Romaji: sekki
• Kanji breakdown: 節 (setsu/fushi) — joint, season, node; 気 (ki) — energy, season, atmosphere
• Pronunciation: /set.ki/

Meaning

Solar term; one of the 24 seasonal divisions of the traditional East Asian lunisolar calendar. Marks specific astronomical and agricultural points in the year.

The 24 solar terms (二十四節気) divide the year into segments of approximately 15 days, aligned with the sun's ecliptic position. Terms such as 冬至 (winter solstice), 春分 (vernal equinox), and 大寒 (major cold) are among the most well-known. Still observed in Japan today through seasonal customs, food practices, and almanac references.

Examples

1. 春分という節気を境に、昼と夜の長さがほぼ等しくなる。 Around the solar term called the vernal equinox, the lengths of day and night become nearly equal.
2. 農家の人々はかつて節気に従って田植えや収穫の時期を決めていた。 Farmers once used the solar terms to determine the timing of rice planting and harvesting.
3. 大寒は一年で最も寒い節気とされ、この時期に仕込んだ味噌は上品な味になると言われる。 Major Cold is considered the coldest solar term of the year, and miso prepared during this period is said to have a refined flavour.

Usage Guide

Context: seasonal customs, agriculture, traditional calendar

Tone: cultural

Origin & History

Adopted from ancient Chinese astronomical and agricultural tradition. The system was introduced to Japan in the Nara period. 節 means joint or season, and 気 means energy or atmospheric period.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Rural/Traditional