【Koyomi】 May 6, 2024

72 Kou｜Kawazu Hajimete Naku
七十二侯｜蛙始鳴（かわずはじめてなく）

The term "Kawazu Hajimete Naku" refers to the time when frogs start to croak for the first time in fields and paddies, heralding the arrival of the summer season. This period, symbolizing the beginning of a vibrant and prosperous time for agriculture, typically occurs between May 5th and May 9th each year.

「蛙始鳴（かわずはじめてなく）」は、野原や田んぼで蛙が初めて鳴き始める頃を意味し、夏の季節の到来を告げます。農業の成長と繁栄の活気ある時期の始まりを象徴するこの期間は、毎年5月5日から5月9日までです。

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The Significance of the First Croak

The initial croaks of frogs not only mark the change of seasons but also symbolize the renewal of life in the agricultural landscape. These sounds resonate as a celebration of nature's cyclical rebirth and are eagerly awaited by farmers and nature enthusiasts alike.

初鳴きの意義

蛙の初鳴きは、季節の変わり目を告げるだけでなく、農業の風景における生命の更新を象徴しています。これらの音は自然の循環的な再生を祝うものであり、農家や自然愛好家によって心待ちにされています。

Frog Habits

In Japanese, the word "kaeru" (frog) also means "to return," highlighting the habit of frogs to return to the ponds where they were born to spawn. This behavior not only reflects a profound connection to their origins but also suggests themes of prosperity, rejuvenation, and good fortune in career and financial returns.

蛙の習性

日本語で「蛙（かえる）」は「帰る」とも意味します。蛙が生まれた池に戻って産卵するという習性は、人生の様々な側面に広がり、繁栄や若返りを示唆します。また、仕事運や財政の回帰における幸運の象徴とされています。

Culinary and Symbolic Aspects of Frogs

While I have not yet had the opportunity to taste frogs, known affectionately as "Field Chicken," they are said to have a texture that falls between that of chicken and pufferfish. However, managing the small bones can be a cumbersome task during meals, often leading to a rapid accumulation of bones on the table.

蛙の料理と象徴的側面

私はまだ蛙を食べたことがありませんが、「田鶏」という別名を持つ蛙は、鶏肉とフグの中間のような食感を持つそうです。しかし、特に小さな蛙の骨を扱うのは煩わしく、食事の際にはすぐにテーブルの上に骨が積み上がることになります。