How do I declare date?

If the date falls between 12/16 and 3/15, you should return "Winter". If the date falls between 3/16 and 6/15, you should return "Spring". If the date falls between 6/16 and 9/15, you should return "Summer". And if the date falls between 9/16 and 12/15, you should return "Fall".

I have problems declaring the date.

public static String season (int i, int j){
 String s = "";
    return s;
}

public static void main (String [] args){
  int date;
    if ((date >= "12/16") && (date <= "3/15")){
       System.out.println(season("Winter"));
    }
    else if ((date >= "3/16") && (date <= "6/15")){
      System.out.println(season("Spring"));
    }
    else if ((date >= "6/16") && (date <= "9/15")){
     System.out.println(season("Summer"));
    }
    else{
    System.out.println(season("Fall"));
    }
}