The Japanese Art of Living Seasonally

<p><b>Written by Japanologist Natalie Leon, this beautiful guide unlocks the secrets of Japan's seasonal culture to help you relish the seasons wherever you are.</b></p> <p><b>Relish every day with the secrets of Japan's seasonal culture</b></p> <p>In traditional Japanese culture, people eat, sleep and wear the seasons, from kimono motifs to petal-shaped sweets, and festivals dedicated to nature's spectacular displays. This mindful celebration of nature leads to a deep awareness of the seasons, called kisetsukan.</p> <p>This book reveals the hidden depths of kisetsukan, and how its concepts can transform your life. Discover:</p> <ul> <li> Shun, eating what is fresh and bountiful. Preserve edible flowers to use in homemade sweets, or taste the spring with "seven herb" porridge. </li> <li> Mottainai, zero-waste living. Learn about boro boro, visible mending that honours the history of a cherished garment, or wrap gifts in sustainable, seasonal fabrics. </li> <li> Kado, the Way of Flowers. Learn the rules of ikebana and arrange flowers according to the seasons, or throw a cherry blossom-viewing party. </li> <li> Momijigari, the ritual of leaf hunting. Explore local nature with "forest bathing", or learn simple ways to bring the outside inside. </li> </ul> <p>This treasure trove of folktales, recipes and activities is an invitation to celebrate each day, for increased creativity, harmony and happiness.</p>