Gentle Rains of Early May, Iris Blooms & Japanese Traditions
Posted by Yukiko Kisaki on 8th May 2025
In Japan, early May brings gentle rains known as samidare (五月雨) — a hallmark of the country’s early summer traditions. These rains coincide with Children’s Day, a national celebration of youth, health, and seasonal renewal.
Samidare — literally “fifth month rain” — refers to the gentle showers of early summer. Unlike the heavy downpours of the rainy season to come, samidare is soft and lingering, soaking the soil and enriching the colors of the landscape — a quiet prelude to summer.
The picture above was taken in Miyazaki Shrine. The priestess ladies are about to begin their workday, which includes tasks such as sacred cleansing, ritual dances as well as running the Shrine’s shops.
In the traditional Japanese calendar, summer begins on May 5. This all-important date is also the Children’s Day national holiday (kodomo no hi) and Iris Day (ayame no hi).
Among the oldest traditions observed on this day are preparing baths with iris leaves (shōbu-yu) as well as yomogi (Japanese Artemisia princeps) leaves.
Thoughts and Reflections
It has been raining for the past two days. Rivers are full, and their banks are covered with vivid-colored ayame (あやめ) irises.
The following haiku was written over two centuries ago. It still rings fresh today.
- after the rain
- colors of a deep rainbow
- irises
- Issa Kobayashi (1763–1828)
In Japanese:
- 雨あがり 七色ふかし 花あやめ
(Ame agari / nanairo fukashi / hana ayame)
