In Japan they don’t just celebrate New Year’s with fireworks and drinks. In Japan the have a whole of modern and old traditions they do to prepare for the year. They infact use the whole week to prepare for a year of well-being and good luck. On New Year’s eve, every temple in Japan ring their bonsho, bells, 108 times. Which supposedly the number of times it rings represents every human desire. Which each one caused pain and sufuring and any negative emotions from the previous year be washed away. This ritual is called Joya no kane.
On New Year’s Day there’s a feast called O-sechi ryori. It takes days to prepare and plan and each item of the feast brings health, luck and prosperity for the year. Now a days you could easily buy it a department store or restraunts if ordered ahead of time. Another traditional snack would be mochi, chewy rice cake, these are also used for decorations and if you want to be traditional you make them on your own on new year’s. Most people just buy them because it takes alot of time to make.
Another tradition that is very popular in Japan for New Years is Nenga, New Years greeting card. More than thousands of people mail them so they can show gratitude to those they know. It is told that if you receive one and haven’t send them one in the first place than you are obligated to send one back. An expectation to this is that if a family had death in the last year, you are to not send them one. Hatsumode, first shrine visited of the year, is another tradition in Japan. You got to a shrine pray, mention in a previous blog, ask any wishes for the year and get any luck, health and gratitude for the year. Make sure to buy some plaques! This tradition is done usually the day of New Years but can be done any day of the year. For more information click here.
Exploring the Japanese Culture 