celebrationculturefestivitieshatsumoudeJapanNew YearomamoriOmisokaosechi-ryoripostcardtoshikoshi-sobatradition
New Year in Japan
I should have done this post a week ago, for the perfect timing, but whatever. Since I was posting about festivities in Japan, I'll go on and do this 'New Year' post. So, first, how was yours??
New Year is the most important celebration in Japan, more than Christmas, the first of the year is an ancient tradition that starts from the 31 December to the 3 of January. It's that big.
In December people start preparing for it, writing wishing postcards 'Nengajo' so that they can be delivered on January 1st.
After a while, circa 2 weeks earlier, people start cleaning their houses (the reason is to get rid of the dirt of the past year to welcome the new one with a fresh mind and spirit) and do some big shopping. Then everyone put up their New Year's decorations, especially Kadomatsu
which are made from bamboo, pine branches and strips of white folded
paper. When the house is clean and decorated, then everybody gets busy
preparing New Year's food.
Then on New Year Eve 'Omisoka' they eat some traditional dishes called 'Osechi-ryori' and 'Toshikoshi-soba', after that they stay up until midnight to listen to the 108 chimes of the temple bell.
Janurary 1st is called 'Shogatsu', families gather to the temple nearby in their hometown, get items, like a lucky talisman called 'Omamori' and pray for a good omen.
During shogatsu it is a tradition to visit a shrine or temple, all dressed up with familiy or friends. The first visit of the new year is known as 'Hatsumoude', temple visitors ask for safety, health, and good fortune. Many well-known temples and shrines are extremely crowded and you might even get lost.
Shogatsu traditional food are mochi, sweet sake called Toso, and Zoni soup. Then there is the visit to the relatives, most likely grandparents, which gives off the 'Otoshidama', which is basically a special allowance to nephews, nieces, children, etc.
There is even the 'Oseibo', the new year gift given to costumers, superiors, teachers and such to express gratitude for the past year.
During New Year, when the whole family and relatives are gathered, children usually play traditional games, like the Karuta Game, while adults do some calligraphy 'shodo' or poetry games. Otherwise the family watch New Year's shows on tv and, obliviously, later eat all the food prepared.
Here is a link if you want to know more about japanese traditional games, played even during Shogatsu.
-sources as tagged-
1 comments
Happy New Year People of Japan!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes from Poland
Arek & Yumi