Lilacs Blooming Season

A nod to poetic, Japanese awareness and seasonal sensibilities.

Within Japanese lore there are twenty-four seasons.

And some astute, poet-observers from slower times, even farther back recognized as many as seventy-two micro-seasons. Think “Sakura”, aka “Cherry Blossom season…”

Face it Fred, four are far too few.

Consider:

“Plum blossom.”

“Insects awaken.”

“Skunk Cabbage.”

“False Coleus Season.”

“Lilacs blooming.”

Lilacs cut in the cool of morning, left to hydrate all day in a bucket of water in the shade and displayed at the back door atelier by early evening. Today.

“Purple Martins return.”

“Salmonberries ripen.”

“Fresh Asparagus.”

“Garden Peas.”

“Peak Wildflower.”

“Seersucker Sundays.”

“Summer Solstice.”

“Blackberry. Pie”

“Huckleberry Jam.”

“Sweet Watermelon”

“Heavy Morning Dew.”

“First Frost.”

I could go on…

These ones I’ve listed aren’t official seasons. Most of them…

But they certainly help divide a year into smaller, more meaningful awarenesses.

They help identify the actual time of year.

Better than just some number. 4/25/25

Because, to those who love them and pick them, Lilacs Blooming and Huckleberry Jam seasons are absolutely for real. Just like “Pink Salmon run,” which only happens in odd years.

You could make up your own based on the things that speak to you, that you love. Think about it… if you could designate any annual wonder into a ‘season’ on your calendar, what would yours be?

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