"Momijigari: Japan's Traditional Autumn Leaf Festival"

While Ireland is known for its many festivals, there isn't a specific one that celebrates leaves. However, there's a festival in Japan called "Momijigari" that is all about enjoying the beauty of leaves changing colours. This festival happens in autumn, when the leaves turn shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a beautiful natural artwork.

Momijigari, which translates to "red leaf hunting", is a traditional Japanese activity dating back hundreds of years. The festival takes place in various parts of Japan, including Tokyo and Kyoto, where people come from all over to see the colourful leaves, known as "koyo".

Activities during Momijigari are not just for adults but also for children. One popular activity is leaf collecting. Kids can have fun picking up different leaves, comparing their shapes and colours, and creating their own leaf collection. They can also participate in nature-based crafts, like making leaf prints or leaf masks, which can be a fun and creative way to learn about different types of leaves and trees.

So, even though we don't have a leaf festival in Ireland, it's fascinating to learn about how other cultures celebrate the natural world. We can also appreciate the beauty of leaves here in Ireland, especially in the autumn when they change colour. So next time you're outside, why not take a closer look at the leaves around you and see what you can discover?

Activities

1. What is the name of the festival in Japan that celebrates the changing colours of leaves?
2. What does 'Momijigari' translate to in English?
3. What is the term for the colourful leaves that are seen during the Momijigari festival?
4. What are some of the activities that children can participate in during the Momijigari festival?
5. During what season do leaves change colour in Ireland?
6. Why do you think people in Japan started the tradition of Momijigari? Use information from the text to support your answer.
7. How can appreciating the natural world, like leaves changing colours, benefit us as individuals and a community?
8. Challenge 1: Go outside and find three different types of leaves. Draw them in your notebook and write down what you notice about their shape, colour, and texture.
9. Challenge 2: Use a digital camera or a smartphone to take pictures of the leaves you find. Try to capture the different colours and details. Then, create a digital collage using a free online tool like Canva.