The most important holiday in any Japanese calendar is New Year’s Day but unlike other parts of the world, where New Year’s Day starts at midnight and ends on the first day, in Japan its very different as New Year’s Day is continually celebrated, all through the first week of January.
New Year’s day in Japan is called Shogatsu, it’s a very special celebration in Japan, as its a time to be done with the problems of the past year, as well as banishing evil omens and bad thoughts, while praying for blessings and good fortunes, for both self and loved ones.
New Year’s Day, is very important to the Japanese, because they believe the first day in a new year, provides the opportunity for a fresh start. The day is ideally celebrated without any negative emotions, such as anger or greed etc.
New Year ’s Day in Japan, is celebrated with lots of joy and hope, a Bonenkai party which means
For any New Year’s celebrations to be complete, all duties and tasks must be concluded, before the new year because the first day, in a new year must begin totally task free.
Customarily, the first day of the New Year’s Celebrations, begins at midnite with every Japanese gathered at their individual temples, waiting and straining their ears to hear the huge temple bells ring, this is because the bells signal the end of the old year, as well as ushers in the new one, as the bell rings the priests would offer prayers and blessings, to the Kami and gods on behalf of the faithfuls.
Today most Japanese are converts of the Christian faith, so they go to their various churches even if some prefer to stay at home, or got to their favorite hangouts, the feeling still remains the same, as they all anxiously watch the sky and wait for the sun to rise, which you’ll agree is a beautiful sight to see.
Just walking the streets of Japan on the New Year’s Day, you are bound to smell the aroma of the delicious, as well as mouth watering dishes, of the special New Year’s Day feast being cooked. On any Japanese table, you will see special dishes such as Ozoni, which is a delicious vegetable soup with Mochi, as well as Otoso the Sweetened Rice Wine.
On New Year’s Day, the Japanese people just like the rest of the world, also exchange gifts and cards, children are not left out too, as they also get gifts and money.
Every Japanese home is beautifully decorated on New Year’s Day, with ornaments such as Kadomatsu, which is also called
These New Year’s Day decorations also signify Respect, Prosperity and most importantly Long life to the home, they are specially made from Bamboo, Pines and even plum trees.
