Happy New Year!
I look forward to your continued good will
in the coming year.
In Japanese, New Year is called
“oshougatsu”, and the very first day of the year is called “gantan”. New Year’s
Day is a very important day for the Japanese people.
There are many events and customs to
celebrate New Year’s Day.
Some people climb up the mountain before
dawn to see the first sunrise of the year.
People decorate their houses with special
decorations.
“Kadomatsu”, two groups of bamboo to place
in front of the entrance; “shimenawa”, a sacred straw rope to protect the door;
and “kagamimochi, round, piled up mochi (rice cakes) to appreciate and eat as a
token of wellbeing.
Adults put money in a special envelope and
give it to children.
This is called “otoshidama” and many
children look forward to it very much!
People send each other New Year’s cards
called “nengajyo”.
This is usually designed with symbols of
good luck or the animal of the year out of the 12 animals in the Chinese
astrological calendar. Families with young children often send New Year’s Cards
with a family photo or a picture of their children.
Many people go to shrines to make wishes
for the coming year.
This event is called “hatsumoude”.
People buy charms or amulets called
“omamori” to wish for wellbeing or success.The golden arrows named “hamaya”
protect you from bad things.
Usually, you must line up for a long cue to
buy this one. Japanese people like to buy “omikuji” as well, which is a lottery
that tells you your fortune for the year. “Daikichi” is the best, and “Daikyo”
is the worst.
People buy or prepare tiered boxes filled
with special food for the New Year – this is called “osechi”.
The food in the osechi each has a special
meaning, mainly to wish for wellbeing. Together with the osechi, we drink
special sake named “otoso” and eat “ozouni”, which is similar to miso soup but
has mochi in it.
Thank you.
