Tsukimi is a traditional Japanese holiday that celebrates the Harvest Moon. Japan House will be having both online and in person activities to honor the event.
Online programming begins on YouTube at 7 p.m., with a presentation highlighting the history and traditions of Tsukimi. Then Professor Emeritus Kimiko Gunji will perform a special tea ceremony in the Japan House Gardens to honor the Harvest Moon for all to watch.
There will be a video highlighting their Karesansui, or Dry Garden, which is raked in a special pattern for the United Nations International Day of Peace.
Then, there will be a Facebook live viewing of the moon rising until 9 p.m. Dr. John C. Martin, Associate Professor of Astronomy-Physics at University of Illinois Springfield, will be available for commentary and questions.
If you would like to view the moon from the gardens, members of the Astronomical Society at the University of Illinois (UIAS) will be set up with telescopes near Japan House. This is weather permitting. The Arboretum typically closes at sunset, but in this special situation visitors will need to be out by 11 p.m. Please observe safe COVID practices of distancing and masking.
Top image from Facebook event page.
