How do you spend New Year Days in your country? In Japan, the period of January is called “oshougatsu,”. Many of you might be sprised at Japanese unique I “oshougatsu, cultures.
On top of that, the first shrine visit of the year is called “Hatsumoude”, which we wish whole year’s health, happiness, and so on. The sound of the bell rings around crowded shrines on New year days. Some people try a paper fortune called “Omikuji”, and some choose and purchase one from a various kinds of amulets. For instance, some amulets have good smell or color.
Additionally, “Osechi” is various kinds of beautifully-prepared dish, made up of traditional tasty foods having some auspicious meaning which reflects people’s wishes regarding health, harvest, happiness, prosperity, long life, and so on. For example, yellow colored ingredients such as kazunoko mean prosperity, and red and white colored food, such as kamaboko slices represent celebration colors. “Kurikinton” which is mashed potato withchestnuts, is popular among children because it is tasty and sweet.
Family members and relatives get together and eat “osechi”. Generally, children can get some pocket money called “Otoshidama” from adults at this time.
As a further example of one of traditional ceremonies, we pound steamed glutinous rice in a large mortar with a mallet to make traditional New Year’s cakes, which are sticky mochi.
Some write and send post cards called “Nengajo” as New Year’s greetings with a picture of that year’s zodiac animal, hand-written messages, or some photos of previous year. They are not only for closed friends but also for business associates. However, especially young generation come to send online messages in stead because of its laborious.
How many Japanese New year’s habit do you know? The events and habits above are only some instances among many. In conclusion, there are a lot of kinds of traditions regarding luck and blessing.