春の土用 (Spring Doyo period)
春の土用は4月17日から5月4日まで続き、古くから土いじりを避ける風習が伝わっています。
The Spring Doyo period lasts from April 17th to May 4th, and a custom of avoiding working the soil has been passed down since ancient times.
Cultural Context
土用 (doyo) refers to the 18-day transitional period before each seasonal change in the traditional Japanese calendar. The spring doyo (春の土用) of 2026 runs from April 17 to May 4 — overlapping with Golden Week. Ancient Japanese customs advise against digging or working the soil (土いじり) during doyo, as the earth god (土公神) is believed to be active underground. This reflects Japan's deep connection between seasonal rhythms and daily life.
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