For Frank’s haikai challenge – Haikai Challenge #65 Solstice. Yuzu is a Japanese citrus fruit similar to a grapefruit for pomelo. Also posting on Real Toads Tuesday Platform.
Haibun: Japanese Traditions
The cold full moon is always magical especially when it sparkles off newly fallen snow. After spending several hours wrapped well against the cold watching the Geminids meteor shower, I softly creep back into my home and prepare a hot bath with yuzu floating in the water. The sharp tangy scent fills my senses. I slide into bed beside my husband and snuggle. He murmurs in his sleep. The full moon goes to sleep.
yuzu scented bath
and dinner of kabocha –
solstice traditions
taking a yuzu bath on winter solstice
kanzen sakura 
Dec 17, 2018 @ 20:52:57
Reblogged this on Frank J. Tassone and commented:
#Haiku Happenings #10: Toni Spencer’s latest #haibun for my current #haikai challenge!
Dec 17, 2018 @ 20:59:34
Thank you for the reblog Frank. Blessed Christmas to you and your family.
Dec 17, 2018 @ 21:05:19
My pleasure, Toni! 😇 a Blessed Christmas to you and your family, too!
Dec 17, 2018 @ 22:20:16
Oh my gosh, that sounds amazing!
Dec 18, 2018 @ 06:27:08
Reading this poem is such a sensory experience. I love the full moon goes to sleep. It sounds like a lovely memory/experience.
Dec 18, 2018 @ 07:23:23
It is a common tradition among the Japanese on winter solstice. The smell of yuzu is bracing and cleansing. I do this every winter solstice,, the bathing and cleansing. Floating a few scored oranges and grapefruit in the bath substitutes for the yuzu. After a night of sky watching, a good dinner…it is a fine way to end the day.
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Dec 18, 2018 @ 10:04:19
Sounds wonderful!!
Dec 18, 2018 @ 10:22:07
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing!
Dec 18, 2018 @ 14:57:25
A beautiful scene you set here, Toni. The haiku wraps it up perfectly.
Dec 18, 2018 @ 15:32:50
It sounds glorious, from the stars to the snuggly murmurs. Sigh.
Dec 18, 2018 @ 17:46:05
That sounds fabulous!
Dec 18, 2018 @ 23:20:27
I love every image; the unraveling of this scene is so well done. All the elements make for a sensory as well as a sensual experience. 🙂
Dec 19, 2018 @ 05:41:34
A sweet scent hangs above the warm bath of this, like moonlight. Amen and happy Japanese solstice.
Dec 21, 2018 @ 03:17:55
kaykuala
On checking with google,
“yuzu is an aromatic bath that relaxes both body and mind and is traditionally taken on the day of the winter solstice, Such a nice way to freshen up!. Thanks for sharing Toni!
Hank
Dec 29, 2018 @ 07:43:50
Feel like taking the yuzu bath!! Must be very refreshing lolz
Dec 29, 2018 @ 10:05:46
It is. The fragrance is most refreshing. If you cannot get yuzu,grapefruit or oranges can be substituted.
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