Why this word is great
RISSHUN — [Noun] The first day of spring on the traditional Japanese calendar. From Japanese 立 (ritsu, "standing") + 春 (shun, "spring"), literally "beginning of spring." Unlike "Setsubun" (which heralds spring with the clamor of scattered beans and chased demons) or "Vernal Equinox" (which measures the celestial balance of light and dark), Risshun is a quiet threshold, a fixed promise in the turning world. It is the first crocus breaking through snow-hardened earth, the faintest blush of plum blossoms against a gray sky, the morning sun lingering just a moment longer on the shoji screen—not yet warmth, but the memory of warmth returning. A day for noticing how the world begins again, whether we are ready or not.