Why just four seasons? Ancient Japan had 72 microseasons

Indeed. Seasons are arbitrary. The tropics have dry and rainy seasons. Europe and other places have seasons that begin on different dates. Meteorological winter began December 1, which makes so much more sense.

It really chafes me when I hear people referring to “the official first day of winter” – who’s the official or authority that decided to start on the solstice?

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