Two days to celebrate the glow of amber

Every year on May 8th and 9th Japan has two Amber Day こはくの日. A dedication to and celebration of the quiet, ancient beauty of amber. The date comes from how together May 8th and 9th, 5.8/9, can be read as "ko (5) ha (8) ku (9)," the Japanese for "amber". 

The anniversary was established by three companies in Iwate Prefecture's Kuji City which reportedly was the country's only commercial amber mining region. Raw amber was unearthed and crafted for generations. Amber is a plant-derived gemstone treasured since ancient times. It formed when ancient tree resin hardened over millions of years into warm shades of honey, gold and deep brown. Kuji's artisans transform these fossils into pendants, brooches, rings and even items like kaleidoscopes and incense. 

The day also carries a romantic touch. In Japan, the 10th wedding anniversary is known as the Amber Wedding Anniversary, symbolizing love that has matured, deepened and "glowed" over time, just like the gemstone.