May 21st, 2025-May 25th is Summer-Start of SHOMAN (Lesser ripening)-22nd KOU “KAIKO start feasting on mulberry leaves.”
SHOMAN, one of the 24 major divisions of the years is the season when all things gradually grow, plants and trees bloom and birds and animals give birth to new life. KAIKO are no exception. The 22nd KOU depicts KAIKO feasting mulberry leaves and growing bigger and bigger.
From the MEIJI period to the TAISHO period (Mid 1800s to early 1990s), SHINSHU boasted the number one silk weaving in Japan. However, when the silk industry fell into a recession into the SHOWA period, wheat production was encouraged and mulberry fields were converted into wheat fields (around 1930-1940s).
There are no more mulberry fields around here, but I found one mulberry tree in the corner of a small vegetable field. Bright red berries are there!
Mulberry fruits are ripe to eat when they turn purple, you know that?
