Jyugo-ya

Jyugo-ya (the fifteenth night) occurs on August 15 according to the lunar calendar, which falls on September 13 this year. Since the air is particularly clear at this time of year in Japan, the moon of Jyugo-ya is known as chushu no meigetsu (the beautiful moon of mid-autumn), and people have enjoyed tsukimi (moon viewing) since ancient times. The most popular offerings are dango dumplings—presented with prayers and thanks for the harvest—and pampas grass, which is thought to drive away evil.