Hatsuyuki: The Japanese Word for the First Snow of the Year

A romantic word which also indicates a close cultural relationship with nature

Hatsuyuki was a word I came across during the summer months, but talking about snow felt strange in a season when everyone else is struggling with the heat, swimming, sunbathing, drinking lemonade, or simply getting bored in the sun. That's why I wanted to write during such a season, when it began to snow in many parts of the world's northern hemisphere and it was getting close to New Year's.

To me, it's a very romantic word. Few things fill a person with a naive joy of life, a little gratitude, and make people smile more than falling snow with large grains.

Photo by Celine Ylmz on Unsplash

Hatsuyuki is a special word for the first snowfall of the year. In the deep culture and vocabulary of the Japanese, there is a word for this special seasonal occasion. Those special phrases for nature's miracles show the value they give to nature and seasons. Fantastic!

In my city, Istanbul, it has not snowed yet. We observe snow here once or twice a year, but it's pretty effective. Especially in the last few years, there has been heavy snowfall in the city, making it impossible to even go for a walk. As a result, whether we look forward to the snow or fantasize about spending New Year's under the snow, we are not without trepidation.

However, the area where I live is a bit outside the city, and we have gardens and trees, and when it snows, we have beautiful views to watch. We look forward to Hatsuyuki.

Facing things bigger, more magnificent, and more sophisticated than ourselves is an experience that brings us closer to ourselves, is fascinating, and feeds our souls. One of the major ones, I believe, is snow.

I'm looking forward to seeing you. When will you arrive, Hatsuyuki?

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