【Koyomi】 May 31, 2024

72 Kou｜The Arrival of Barley Autumn
七十二侯｜ 麦秋至（むぎのときいたる）

Golden Fields of Barley

Around the end of May to the beginning of June, the barley fields transform into a sea of golden waves. This period, known as "barley autumn," is when barley ripens and turns a rich golden color. For farmers, it is a time of both beauty and labor, as they prepare for the harvest. The barley fields, with their heavy, golden heads swaying in the breeze, present a picturesque scene of agricultural abundance.

黄金色に輝く麦畑

5月末から6月初めにかけて、麦畑は黄金色の波となって広がります。この時期は「麦秋」と呼ばれ、麦が実り豊かに黄金色に変わる時期です。農家にとっては美しさと労働の時期であり、収穫の準備が始まります。重く実った黄金色の麦が風に揺れる様子は、農業の豊かさを感じさせる美しい光景です。

The Calm Before the Rain

As the barley reaches full maturity, the air is dry, offering a brief respite before the onset of the rainy season. This short dry period is ideal for barley harvest, known as "barley weather." The fields are bustling with activity as farmers work tirelessly to gather the ripe barley. The wind that rustles through the barley is called "barley storm," a reminder of the imminent rain. This period is crucial for ensuring that the barley is harvested in optimal conditions before the heavy rains begin.

雨の前の静けさ

麦が完全に熟す頃、空気は乾燥しており、梅雨入り前の一時的な乾燥期を迎えます。この短い乾燥期は「麦日和」と呼ばれ、麦の収穫に最適な時期です。畑は忙しくなり、農家は熟した麦を収穫するために働きます。麦の穂を揺らす風は「麦嵐」と呼ばれ、間近に迫る雨を思い起こさせます。この時期は、重い雨が降り始める前に最適な条件で麦を収穫するために重要です。

Life of a Farmer: The Busy Harvest Season

For farmers practicing double cropping, where both rice and barley are grown, this time is particularly hectic. The barley harvest must be completed swiftly to make way for the rice planting. The rains during this period, known as "barley rain," can complicate the process, making the timely completion of the harvest even more critical. The fields, once golden, are quickly cleared to prepare for the next crop, showcasing the continuous cycle of farming life.

農家の生活：忙しい収穫の季節

米と麦の二毛作を行う農家にとって、この時期は特に忙しい時期です。麦の収穫を迅速に完了させ、次の稲作の準備をしなければなりません。この時期の雨は「麦雨」と呼ばれ、収穫の過程を複雑にすることもあります。収穫が迅速に行われ、次の作物の準備が整う様子は、農業生活の継続的なサイクルを示しています。