Silver Week, similar to Golden Week, is a term used in Japan to refer to a collection of consecutive holidays, the difference being that Silver Week is in September. It is still a relatively new term, gaining popularity around 2009. This year, Silver Week starts September 16th!
The holidays that make Silver Week possible are “Keiro no Hi (Respect for the Aged Day)” and “Shubun no Hi (autumn equinox)”. The two holidays are on September 18th (Monday) and 23rd (Saturday) respectively. Unfortunately, the Autumn Equinox falls on a weekend this year so there will be less breaks than the typical Silver Week.
Keiro no Hi, or Respect for the Aged Day is celebrated every third Monday in September. It is a day for families to honor their elders and celebrate their longevity. It was a holiday created in the 1960’s and there are no specific traditions, with each family celebrating their unique way.
The Autumn Equinox has been celebrated in Japan since the Meiji period (1860’s-1910’s). On this day, the length of day and night is equal, and the length of daytime will proceed to go down after this day.
During Silver Week, there are numerous events, festivals, and fireworks displays held all over Japan. Some of the most popular Silver Week festivals this year include the Huisten Bosch Kyushu Ichi Fireworks Festival in Nagasaki, the rowdy Danjiri Matsuri in Osaka, and the Kangestu no Yube (Full Moon Viewing) at Daikakuji Castle in Kyoto. Keep in mind that national holidays are popular times to travel, so airplane flights, hotels, tourist spots, and public transportation will all be more crowded than usual, but it is still certainly worth it!
Now that you have a better understanding of the Silver Week holiday, what are your thoughts on sharing the Giving Tuesday spirit during this string of holidays? Comment below and let us know, or drop us a message on our contact page!
Comments