What is Jugoya? A Comprehensive Explanation of its Meaning and Origins
Jugoya (moon viewing) is a Japanese event on the 15th night of the eighth month of the old lunar calendar to admire the moon and express gratitude for the harvest.
However, do you know what "Jugoya" actually means and what its origins are?
This article will thoroughly organize the meaning, origin, legends, customs, and literature of Jugoya, from a florist's perspective, and introduce practical ideas to enrich this year's moon viewing.
Immerse yourself in the profound world of Jugoya and make this year's moon viewing even more special.
Meaning and Origin of Jugoya
Jugoya is widely cherished as a symbol of autumn in Japan.
By deeply understanding its meaning and origin, you can enjoy moon viewing even more.
Let's check it out together.
What is Jugoya?
Jugoya is an event where people admire the moon on the night of August 15th in the old lunar calendar.
The moon on this particular night is also called "Chushu no Meigetsu" (Mid-Autumn Moon), referring to the full moon considered the most beautiful of the year.
In the Gregorian calendar, it often falls between mid-September and early October, and the date changes every year.
Jugoya is not just a moon-viewing celebration but also a traditional Japanese festival that includes expressing gratitude for the year's harvest.
Etymology
The word "Jugoya" means the night of the 15th day of the old lunar calendar.
It was believed that the moon gradually waxes from the new moon, becoming full on the 15th day.
The full moon also has another name, "Mochizuki," which means "to see the full moon."
Origin and History
- China's Mid-Autumn Festival
- During the Tang dynasty (7th to 10th centuries), the custom of admiring the moon became established. In ancient China, the moon symbolized fertility, prosperity of descendants, and family reunion, and it was also a day to pray for family harmony.
- Japan (Heian → Edo)
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The custom of Jugoya is believed to have been introduced to Japan during the Heian period (late 8th to late 12th centuries).
Initially, it adopted Chinese aristocratic culture and spread among the court nobles. It was enjoyed as an elegant banquet where people floated boats on ponds to view the moon and composed poetry with the moon as a theme.
During the Edo period (17th to 19th centuries), Jugoya spread to commoners, and its meaning also changed.
In agricultural society at that time, the autumn full moon during the harvest season was a special presence. Therefore, Jugoya took on a stronger meaning as a harvest festival to express gratitude for abundant crops.
It is said that the custom of offering moon-viewing dumplings and susuki (pampas grass) became established around this time.
Difference from the Mid-Autumn Festival
Japan's Jugoya has its origins in China's "Mid-Autumn Festival," but there are both similarities and differences between them.
China's "Mid-Autumn Festival" is also held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the old lunar calendar and is a grand holiday where families gather, eat mooncakes, and admire the moon.
While the culture of moon admiration and gratitude for abundance are common points, the custom of eating unique mooncakes and the emphasis on family reunion are unique to Chinese culture.
How to Enjoy Jugoya in Modern Times
Even today, Jugoya is cherished as a seasonal event in many households. While large-scale banquets may be less common than in the past, the custom of decorating with dumplings and pampas grass and viewing the moon at home still persists. It is a good opportunity to teach children about traditional culture, and as a precious time for families and friends to gather around the moon and converse amidst busy daily life, Jugoya continues to bring peace to our hearts.
For example, Jugoya decorations are actively put up in nurseries, kindergartens, supermarket corners, and apartment lobbies.
*For specific Jugoya topics this year, please refer to "When is Jugoya This Year?" Special Feature.
Legends and Myths about Jugoya and the Moon
The Moon and the Rabbit
A symbol of Japanese moon viewing is the story of the "Moon Rabbit." This anecdote, derived from Buddhist tales, expresses the spirit of self-sacrifice.
There is a story about a hungry traveler: a monkey gathered nuts, a fox gathered fish, but a rabbit had nothing. So the rabbit jumped into a fire itself, intending to roast itself and offer its body to the traveler.
It is said that this noble act of the rabbit was recognized by the gods, and it was ascended to the moon to live there forever.
The Japanese perception that the patterns on the moon's surface resemble a rabbit pounding mochi is linked to this story.
Princess Kaguya and Jugoya
Princess Kaguya, the protagonist of the classic Japanese literature "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter," came from the world of the moon, and Jugoya is deeply connected to her story.
The scene where Princess Kaguya returns to the moon on the night of Jugoya is very famous.
Princess Kaguya's story evokes the mystical power of the moon and a sense of longing for one's homeland.
Moon Myths Around the World
Myths and legends about the moon exist not only in Japan but also in various parts of the world.
For example, in Greek mythology, the moon goddess Artemis was worshipped as a symbol of hunting and purity, and in the Inca Empire, the moon god Mama Killa was worshipped as the guardian deity of women and childbirth.
While the perception and worship of the moon differ across cultures, this suggests that the moon has been a universal object of mystery for humanity.
Customs and Ways to Enjoy Jugoya
Jugoya is a traditional event that can be easily enjoyed even today. Why not experience a heartfelt moon viewing with your family and friends?
About Moon Viewing Customs
The main custom of Jugoya is "kangetsu" (moon viewing).
It is customary to display offerings where the moon can be seen and express gratitude to the moon.
While Jugoya is particularly important, there are also moon-viewing customs for Jusanya (the 13th night of the 9th month of the old lunar calendar, also known as the "later moon") and Tohkanya (the 10th night of the 10th month of the old lunar calendar).
Jusanya is also called "Kuri Meigetsu" (Chestnut Moon) or "Mame Meigetsu" (Bean Moon), and there is a custom of offering chestnuts and beans.
Meaning of Moon Viewing Dumplings
Moon viewing dumplings are an essential offering for Jugoya.
Their round shape symbolizes the full moon, and they carry the meaning of gratitude for the harvest and wishes for health and happiness.
The number of dumplings stacked also has meaning, with 15 being the basic number for Jugoya.
Stacking them in a pyramid shape is believed to be a way to express gratitude to the moon and to wish for abundance.
For details, please refer to the specialized article "Meaning and Display of Moon Viewing Dumplings."
Preparing for Moon Viewing (Simple Steps)
- Prepare offerings: In addition to moon viewing dumplings, prepare seasonal crops such as pampas grass, taro, persimmons, and grapes.
- Decorate: Arrange the purified offerings by a window or veranda where the moon can be seen.
- Lighting: Create atmosphere with washi paper lamps or candles.
Moon Viewing
- Gaze at the moon slowly: Jugoya is a perfect opportunity to forget the hustle and bustle of the city and quietly enjoy the beauty of the moon.
- Converse with family and friends: Gather around the offerings and enjoy conversations while watching the moon, strengthening bonds.
- Savor autumn flavors: It's especially delightful to view the moon while enjoying moon viewing dumplings, seasonal fruits, and tea.
Local Events
- Imomeigetsu (Taro Moon): Another name for Jugoya, used in regions where the custom of offering taro instead of dumplings is strong. This is because taro was a crop symbolizing a bountiful harvest.
- Mamemeigetsu (Bean Moon): Another name for Jusanya, called so because of the custom of offering edamame and soybeans.
- Otsukimi Dorobo (Moon Viewing Thieves): A custom where children go around houses on the night of Jugoya to "steal" offerings. Although it's called stealing, it's a special day when it's allowed, and it carries the meaning of receiving offerings from the gods.
Jugoya in Literature and Art
The moon of Jugoya has long been an inspiration for Japanese literature and art.
The Moon Continuously Sung in Waka and Haiku
The moon has long been a major theme in waka and haiku, and the autumn moon, in particular, has always evoked poetic sentiment.
Many poets and haiku poets have composed verses about the beauty of the moon and the feelings they harbor for it.
・"The indigo sea lies below, over Suma, the moon": This is a famous haiku by Masaoka Shiki. It is said to have been composed while he was recuperating in a sanatorium in Suma. One can feel the beauty of the moon.
・"A full moon, strolling around the pond all night": This haiku by Basho depicts someone walking around a pond throughout the night of a full moon, conveying a deep affection for the moon.
Jugoya in Heian Literature
Descriptions of Jugoya are abundant in Heian-period literary works such as The Tale of Genji and The Pillow Book.
The elegant life of aristocrats admiring the moon and their delicate emotions towards the moon are depicted in detail, offering a glimpse into the Jugoya of that era.
Literary Works Featuring the Moon
Even in modern times, the moon and Jugoya have been used as motifs in various literary works, paintings, and music.
- "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter" (Japan, anonymous author, Heian period)— The famous "Princess Kaguya." It is considered the oldest Japanese narrative, a fantastical story where Princess Kaguya comes from the moon and eventually returns there, intertwining the moon world and the human world. It depicts the beauty of the moon, the longing for it, and the sorrow of parting.
- "A Midsummer Night's Dream" (William Shakespeare, England, late 16th century)— A fantastical comedy featuring the fairy king Oberon and queen Titania. Moonlight is a crucial element that creates magic, a dream world, and the romantic confusion of the characters.
- "Gaspard de la Nuit" (Aloysius Bertrand, France, 19th century)— A collection of prose poems where the moon frequently appears as a motif creating an eerie and fantastical atmosphere. Ravel's piano suite inspired by this collection is particularly famous.
&YOUKAEN is Selling Pampas Grass for Jugoya Decoration
&YOUKAEN sells pampas grass, an essential item for Jugoya moon viewing.
We carefully select high-quality pampas grass and offer it on our online store for easy purchase. It's perfect for decorating your home for Jugoya, and also makes an ideal seasonal gift for loved ones. Gifting it with the meaning of warding off evil and praying for a good harvest will convey your feelings even more. It is also highly recommended for shop displays.
Autumn "Susuki" (Pampas Grass) 10-stem bouquet, 70cm tall
¥5,500-
Summary
Jugoya is not just another day on the calendar.
It is a beautiful traditional Japanese culture that has been passed down through generations, embodying ancient gratitude and reverence for the moon.
Decorating with moon viewing dumplings and pampas grass will be a precious opportunity to experience traditional customs in modern times.
By understanding the meaning and origin of Jugoya, this year's moon viewing will undoubtedly become even more profound.
At &YOUKAEN, we offer a variety of seasonal autumn flowers, including high-quality pampas grass, to help everyone enjoy a delightful Jugoya.
Please visit our online store to easily purchase pampas grass, an essential item for Jugoya decoration.
Our expert florists will assist you with your moon viewing preparations.
This year, spend a rich and peaceful time under the full moon of Jugoya, feeling the beauty and history of Japan.
Jul 31, 2025
