radhardened

On the occasion of risshun 立春, the first day of spring according to Japan's traditional lunisolar calendar of 24 seasons, I offer you some seasonal words for this time of year:

雪明り (yuki akari)

reflected light of snow; literally "snow light"

針供養 (hari kuyō)

Needle Memorial Day [8 Feb; people give thanks to blunted and rusted needles for their service]

麦踏 (mugi-fumi)

barley-treading, a custom that apparently resettles the plants' roots as the earth starts thawing and thereby helps their growth

雪汁 (yukijiru)

slush; literally "snow soup" - compare misoshiru 味噌汁

梅 (ume)

plum (blossoms) [technically, the "Japanese apricot", Prunus mume; but this has almost always been translated "plum"], the quintessential Japanese sign of early spring

If you know a little Japanese (or don't mind doing a lot of experimental clicking in lieu of reading), Koto no Hagusa 言の葉草 is a nice Flash-based exploration of the 24 seasons.