Summer Gifts from 5,000 to 8,000 yen
When is Chugen? A detailed explanation of the timing and meaning!
When is Ochugen? A detailed explanation of the timing and meaning!
"When is the correct time to send Ochugen?" "What does it even mean?" As summer approaches, many of you may have these questions.
Especially for those sending Ochugen for the first time, you might be unsure about the timing and etiquette.
Ochugen is not just a gift. It's an important Japanese tradition to express gratitude to those who have helped you throughout the year and to show concern for their health.
This article will provide a detailed explanation of the timing, meaning, origin, and etiquette of Ochugen. After reading this, you'll be able to express your gratitude with confidence!
What exactly is Ochugen? Its meaning and origin.
Ochugen is a familiar term, but do you know its detailed meaning and origin?
Ochugen refers to gifts sent to express gratitude to those who have helped you throughout the year and to wish them good health during the summer heat.
It has been a cherished traditional annual event in Japan for a long time.
Its origin is said to be a combination of the Taoist "Chugen" and the ancient Japanese custom of ancestor worship, "Obon."
The Taoist Chugen festival was a day of atonement, where people made offerings to atone for their sins. On the other hand, the Buddhist Obon is a period for welcoming and honoring the spirits of ancestors.
These two customs evolved into "Bonrei" during the Edo period, where relatives and neighbors exchanged gifts, and this spread throughout the country as the modern form of Ochugen.
In other words, Ochugen is not just about giving material things, but a precious custom that conveys "heartfelt" gratitude and concern for the recipient's health during the summer.
When to send Ochugen? Detailed explanation of regional differences.
Did you know that the timing for sending Ochugen actually varies by region?
It's important to consider the recipient's region. Let's take a look together.
General Ochugen period
Broadly speaking, the Ochugen period differs between "Eastern Japan" and "Western Japan."
・Ochugen period in Eastern Japan
Mainly in the Kanto region, the general period for sending Ochugen is early July to around July 15th.
・Ochugen period in Western Japan
Mainly in the Kansai region, the general period is mid-July to around August 15th. This is because many regions still observe the custom of the old Obon.
However, in recent years, due to improved logistics and changes in lifestyle, there is a trend for the Ochugen sending period to start earlier nationwide.
It is not uncommon for department stores to begin their Ochugen sales campaigns in late June.
Regional Ochugen periods?
Let's look at the specific Ochugen periods by region in more detail.
・Hokkaido Ochugen Period
It is said to be from July 15th to around August 15th. It is characterized by a relatively long period.
・Tohoku, Kanto Ochugen Period
It is said to be from early July to around July 15th.
・Hokuriku Ochugen Period
The period varies by region, so please be careful.
For regions observing the new Obon, it's from early July to around July 15th.
For regions observing the old Obon, it's from mid-July to around August 15th.
・Tokai, Kansai, Chugoku, Shikoku Ochugen Period
It is said to be from mid-July to around August 15th.
・Kyushu Ochugen Period
It is said to be from August 1st to around August 15th.
・Okinawa Ochugen Period
It is said to be from around July 13th to 15th of the lunar calendar. Please note that the date varies each year on the Gregorian calendar.
While the above provides a general guide, it's always a good idea to confirm the customs of the recipient's region beforehand for a more thoughtful impression.
When sending Ochugen, it might be a good idea to contact the recipient in advance.
What if you miss the Ochugen period?
Don't worry if you accidentally miss the Ochugen period.
You can still send a gift without being impolite by changing the inscription.
・It's okay to send it as a summer greeting (shochu-mimai)
This is used when sending a gift after the Ochugen period but before Risshu (around August 7th).
Specifically, this applies if you're sending it after July 16th in Eastern Japan, or after August 16th in Western Japan.
The inscription should be "Shochu-Omimai" (暑中御見舞). If you're giving flowers, it's fine to write this on a message card.
・It's okay to send it as a late summer greeting (zansho-mimai)
This is used when sending a gift after Risshu until the end of August (or at the latest, early September around Hakuro).
The inscription should be "Zansho-Omimai" (残暑御見舞).
Ochugen sending etiquette and points to note
Ochugen is an important gift to express gratitude. Be sure to follow proper etiquette to avoid any offense.
Who should you send it to, for example?
Ochugen is meant for those who have helped you throughout the year. Specifically, it includes the following people:
・Relatives (your own family, in-laws, etc.)
・Bosses at work, mentors, senior colleagues
・Business clients
・Teachers of習い事 (lessons/classes)
・Matchmakers (for about 3 years after marriage)
Especially among relatives, there might be established customs regarding whether to send Ochugen, or to whom, depending on the region and family.
It's best to confirm beforehand to ensure a smooth process.
What to send and what to avoid?
When choosing a gift, it's essential to consider the recipient's preferences and family composition. Especially in summer, non-perishable food items are generally preferred.
On the other hand, there are items that should be avoided.
・Socks and footwear are generally unsuitable as gifts for superiors, due to the connotation of "stepping on" them.
・Sharp objects should also be avoided, as they can imply "cutting ties."
・Cash can be considered impolite depending on the recipient.
How to write a Noshi (gift wrapper)
While it's becoming more common to send casual gifts these days, it is still formal etiquette to use a "Noshi paper" for Ochugen.
・Inscribed title
Write "Ochugen" (御中元) in the center of the upper section.
・Mizuhiki (decorative cord)
Choose a red and white "butterfly knot."
The butterfly knot can be untied and re-tied multiple times, so it is used for "celebrations that you wish to repeat many times."
・Name
Write the sender's name below the mizuhiki. If sending jointly, list names from right to left, starting with the highest-ranking person.
Price range
The general price range for Ochugen is 5,000 to 8,000 yen. For those you are particularly indebted to, considering around 8,000 to 12,000 yen may be appropriate.
Once you send an Ochugen, it's generally expected that you continue to send one every year unless there's a special reason not to.
If you wish to stop sending Ochugen, it's best not to discontinue abruptly. Instead, consider gradually lowering the amount or changing the gift to gradually phase out the custom gracefully.
Is a return gift necessary?
If you receive an Ochugen, it is generally sufficient to express your thanks with a thank-you letter.
If you do send a return gift, it is generally considered proper etiquette to inscribe it with "Orei" (お礼) or "Gorei" (御礼) as a thank-you for the Ochugen received, rather than sending it as an "Ochugen" itself.
What are the benefits of sending "flowers" for Ochugen?
While long-lasting food and drinks are classic Ochugen gifts, why not choose "flowers" this year?
Flowers have many unique charms that other gifts don't!
Many good things come from sending flowers for Ochugen!
・Adorns spaces as interior decor and can be enjoyed for a long time
Flowers brighten up a room and bring comfort to the recipient.
Cut flowers can be enjoyed for several days to a week. Dried flowers and preserved flowers can be enjoyed even longer.
・Can create a sense of the season and coolness
Cool and seasonal flowers that can only be given in summer, such as "sunflowers" and "anthuriums," are popular for Ochugen.
They bring freshness and joy to the recipient. Just decorating with them can transform a room into a summer atmosphere.
Giving "the season" is a special gift that can only be expressed with flowers.
・"Disposable" so it doesn't burden the recipient.
Like food and drinks, flowers are "perishable" items that eventually wilt away.
Therefore, they have the advantage of not making the recipient feel obligated to "return the favor."
・You can choose varieties according to the recipient's taste and living environment.
There's a rich variety of flowers, including cute arrangements, modern houseplants, and luxurious phalaenopsis orchids.
The ability to choose according to the recipient's lifestyle and room atmosphere is also a major appeal.
Purchase Ochugen flowers wisely at &YOUKAEN!
The Ochugen period can be busy, and it might be difficult to visit department stores or florists.
In such cases, choosing Ochugen gifts at &YOUKAEN is very convenient, so please rely on our shop.
&YOUKAEN offers a wide selection of flowers perfect for Ochugen, each meticulously crafted by professional florists.
We are committed to freshness, carefully selecting long-lasting flowers that can withstand the summer heat, and delivering them in beautiful condition.
Please use our flowers to convey your gratitude for Ochugen.
Ochugen flowers recommended by professional florists
Sunflower Bouquet "Blue Lemonade" L size
¥9,900-
Summary
Ochugen is a heartwarming Japanese tradition of expressing gratitude and wishing for the recipient's good health.
While the timeframe for sending Ochugen varies by region, it's a good rule of thumb to remember that it's until July 15th in Eastern Japan and until August 15th in Western Japan.
If you happen to miss the period, you can still send a gift as a "Shochu-Omimai" (Summer Greeting) or "Zansho-Omimai" (Late Summer Greeting).
While formalities and etiquette are important, the most crucial aspect is to choose a gift with a sincere heart. Why not entrust your gratitude to flowers for this year's Ochugen?
&YOUKAEN is currently selling "Summer Gifts" featuring seasonal flowers!
Each arrangement is carefully crafted by professional florists who meticulously inspect the quality of each flower.
Find the perfect floral gift to deepen your bond with your loved ones.
Perfect for O-chugen summer gifts! Shop summer gifts here!
