88 Nights, a supplementary seasonal marker

Over the last few months I have been introducing the 24 solar terms and 72 micro seasons used in Japan as seasonal markers. But there are also additional days, called "zassetsu" (雑節), within the 24 solar terms, which are supplementary seasonal markers.

The seasonal markers tie strongly to farming and agriculture. And the farmers needed extra markers to indicate other significant changes in the season. Today, is a perfect example of that. Today is the "zassetsu" called "88 Nights". It literally refers to the day 88 days after Risshun (the beginning of spring). This additional seasonal marker warns farmer of late frost, random frost that comes after the frost period is over. 

"88 Nights" is particularly associated with tea. It is said that tea picked on this day is considered high-quality and drinking it is daid to bring long life.  In many tea producing regions they have tea related events on this day. (This year it is on May 2nd, but it often falls on May 1st. The photo in this post is from such an event in Iruma, Saitama Prefecture, where we got to hand roll tea (among other things).

Have you ever participated in a tea event on "88 Nights"?