In the Japanese traditional calendar, the period between March 5 and March 19 is known as keichitsu, or “the hibernating insects,” meaning that the insects and other creatures that have been dormant all winter will start to emerge around now. This is also when many plants and trees begin to put out their first leaves and shoots as the weather gets warmer.

The National Diet Library has more in-depth information about the traditional Japanese calendar, its origins, and the relationship to the modern-day calendar. To learn more, please visit their site: https://www.ndl.go.jp/koyomi/e/