Discovering New Year in Japan
Discovering New Year in Japan
The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is a widely celebrated holiday across East Asia and the world, falling between late January and early February, which marks the beginning of the new lunar calendar. Countries such as South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China observe this holiday with their unique cultural twists. In Japan, the Lunar New Year has been influenced by Chinese traditions, but has also developed distinctly Japanese customs.
Before the Meiji period, Japan followed lunisolar calendars, similar to the Chinese version. However, in 1873, Japan adopted the Gregorian calendar, and January 1st became the official and culturally significant New Year’s Day. Despite this change, many Lunar New Year traditions persist in Japan, such as visiting family and friends, exchanging red envelopes with children, and giving “lucky money.”
In Japan, “Shōgatsu” (正月), New Year’s is a significant and cherished holiday, filled with customs and traditions that have been passed down through generations. Japanese customs have also blended into the Lunar New Year celebrations, reflecting the culture’s emphasis on cleanliness, family, and spirituality. Some of the key New Year traditions in Japan include:
Deep Cleaning: Before the New Year begins, Japanese households engage in a thorough cleaning called “oosouji.”(大掃除) One example is the tradition of deep cleaning the home, known as “oosouji,”(大掃除). This tradition ensures that the new year starts on a clean slate and symbolizes the removal of impurities from the previous year.
Traditional New Year’s Food: The Japanese eat a selection of dishes during the New Year celebration called osechi-ryōri, typically shortened to osechi. The word osechi originally referred to a season or significant period, and New Year’s Day was one of the five seasonal festivals in the Imperial Court in Kyoto. This custom was introduced from China into Japan.
Traditionally, during the first three days of the New Year, it was forbidden to use a hearth and cook meals, except for zōni. Osechi was prepared beforehand, as women didn’t cook during the New Year. Nowadays, especially in households where osechi is still homemade, Japanese people typically eat Toshikoshi soba(年越しそば), a type of buckwheat noodle, on New Year’s Eve, symbolizing longevity and good luck. On New Year’s Day, ozoni (お雑煮) and osechi,a variety of traditional dishes, (おせち料理) are enjoyed.
Bell ringing: On December 31st at midnight, Buddhist temples across Japan reverberate with the sound of bells ringing 108 times, a ritual known as joyanokane (除夜の鐘). This tradition symbolizes the 108 earthly temptations in Buddhist philosophy and aims to purge the 108 worldly desires related to sensory experiences that reside within every Japanese individual. The Watched Night bell in Tokyo is a popular destination for this event, attracting many visitors each year. According to ancient Japanese beliefs, the ringing of bells holds the power to absolve sins accumulated throughout the departing year. As such, the bell is rung 107 times on December 31st, with the final stroke chiming in the new year.
Otoshidama: On New Year’s, it is customary to give children a small amount of money in a decorative envelope called “otoshidama”(お年玉). This tradition is similar to the Chinese Red Pockets, and symbolizes good fortune for the year ahead.
Fukubukuro: Another popular tradition is buying fukubukuro(福袋), which are surprise bags sold by retailers. These bags contain various items, and their contents are unknown until opened. Fukubukuro are often sold at highly discounted prices, at a variety of different retailers.
Hatsumode: Hatsumode(初もで) refers to the first shrine visit of the year. Many Japanese people visit a shrine on January 1st, 2nd, or 3rd to pray for a prosperous and healthy year.
Famous shrines, like Meiji Jingu Temple in Tokyo, can become crowded during this time as families come together to pay their respects.
These are just a few examples of the numerous traditions associated with New Year’s in Japan. Festivals, music, and special TV programs also contribute to the festive atmosphere during this time. It is important to note that customs may vary from region to region and from household to household, adding to the richness and diversity of Japanese culture.
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