The temperature is gradually getting warmer and we can feel the arrival of spring.
The arrival of spring is a joyous occasion, but it can be a hassle for those who suffer from hay fever.

This time we will talk about Keichitsu , the third season of the 24 solar terms.

The Awakening of Insects refers to the period from around March 5th to March 19th.

This is the time when living things wake up from hibernation and start to move.

Warabi (bracken) is in season from the time of the beginning of spring.

It is rich in dietary fiber and vitamin E and is said to be good for detoxing.

Be sure to remove the bitterness before eating!

March 3rd is the Girls' Festival, and the flower that is welcomed around the time of the awakening of insects is the peach .

Peaches are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring longevity, and are sometimes used as decorations during the Chinese New Year.

• The hibernating insects come out.
• Peach blossoms begin to bloom.
• A caterpillar hatches into a butterfly.

*The 72 seasonal divisions (shichijunikou) are a system of representing the seasons devised in ancient China. They refer to the 24 solar terms further divided into three periods of approximately 5 days each.

Let's prepare for spring, which is just around the corner, while enjoying seasonal flowers and foods.