The
whole world waits for the most exuberant festival of New Year. There
are lots of events and activities that are associated with the
celebrations. Japanese New Year 2013 events include the various customs
and traditions with the details of decorations and rituals.
Explore more about the Japanese New Year 2013 that is observed on January 1 and lasts for two weeks. The Japanese culture is very traditional and this is the reason there are many interesting activities and preparations carried by the families.
Japanese New Year
“Shogatsu or Oshogatsu” is the traditional name given to Japanese New Year. Like in other parts of the world, Japan also, celebrates this awaited festival with great joy and happiness. This three days festival starts from January 1 and ends on January 3. This date is more in reference to the people following Shinto religion.
All the shops, factories and stores are closed on these days. Long before the arrival of New Year people start preparing for this event. From decorations, traditions, new clothes and cuisines are all part of the New Year Japanese celebrations.
The Japanese people followed lunar calendar till 1873 and after this they adopted solar calendar. But, still in many of the rural areas lunar calendar is used for new year. There are many customs performed by the people.
Japanese customs on New Year
Japanese people believe that by hanging rope of straws at the entrance door of the homes keeps the bad evils away. This is considered very auspicious to bring happiness and goof luck. The doors are decorated with ornaments made of bamboo, pine and plum trees. The homes are cleaned before the new beginning. Japanese believe that cleaning and washing of homes and stores brings fortune and happiness.
At the midnight of new year the Japanese announce the new beginning by laughing. Temple bells ring 108 times to usher the new year which is called ‘jayano kane'. Among other traditions of Japanese 108 is considered very auspicious to mark the ‘earthly desires' as per the Buddist canon.
The traditional Japanese New Year celebrations last for two weeks. The entire two weeks include ‘hatsu' which is part of the customs. It is the time when people bury all their bitterness to come together and mark the new beginning on sweet note.
Hatsu dori is the year's foremost cockcrow, Hatsu made is the first shrine and temple and Goyohajime is the first day of business. Kakizome is the first writing which is conducted by every member of the family. Each member dips Burch into freshly mixed ink and inscribes one favorite proverb, quotation or poem on a long strip of paper.
Japanese observe the new year into two parts - one is bidding grand farewell to the year passing by and the second is welcoming the new year with open hands. The entire celebrations are carried with all the families. It is basically a time of reunion and gathering. Prayers are offered in temples to be blessed with good health and longevity.
Gifts and favors are exchanged after the celebrations. Generally, the elders present gifts to all the children and bless them with luck and health.
Wishing you all very happy and prosperous New Year! Hope you find this reading on Japanese New Year 2013 really interesting.
Explore more about the Japanese New Year 2013 that is observed on January 1 and lasts for two weeks. The Japanese culture is very traditional and this is the reason there are many interesting activities and preparations carried by the families.
Japanese New Year
“Shogatsu or Oshogatsu” is the traditional name given to Japanese New Year. Like in other parts of the world, Japan also, celebrates this awaited festival with great joy and happiness. This three days festival starts from January 1 and ends on January 3. This date is more in reference to the people following Shinto religion.
All the shops, factories and stores are closed on these days. Long before the arrival of New Year people start preparing for this event. From decorations, traditions, new clothes and cuisines are all part of the New Year Japanese celebrations.
The Japanese people followed lunar calendar till 1873 and after this they adopted solar calendar. But, still in many of the rural areas lunar calendar is used for new year. There are many customs performed by the people.
Japanese customs on New Year
Japanese people believe that by hanging rope of straws at the entrance door of the homes keeps the bad evils away. This is considered very auspicious to bring happiness and goof luck. The doors are decorated with ornaments made of bamboo, pine and plum trees. The homes are cleaned before the new beginning. Japanese believe that cleaning and washing of homes and stores brings fortune and happiness.
At the midnight of new year the Japanese announce the new beginning by laughing. Temple bells ring 108 times to usher the new year which is called ‘jayano kane'. Among other traditions of Japanese 108 is considered very auspicious to mark the ‘earthly desires' as per the Buddist canon.
The traditional Japanese New Year celebrations last for two weeks. The entire two weeks include ‘hatsu' which is part of the customs. It is the time when people bury all their bitterness to come together and mark the new beginning on sweet note.
Hatsu dori is the year's foremost cockcrow, Hatsu made is the first shrine and temple and Goyohajime is the first day of business. Kakizome is the first writing which is conducted by every member of the family. Each member dips Burch into freshly mixed ink and inscribes one favorite proverb, quotation or poem on a long strip of paper.
Japanese observe the new year into two parts - one is bidding grand farewell to the year passing by and the second is welcoming the new year with open hands. The entire celebrations are carried with all the families. It is basically a time of reunion and gathering. Prayers are offered in temples to be blessed with good health and longevity.
Gifts and favors are exchanged after the celebrations. Generally, the elders present gifts to all the children and bless them with luck and health.
Wishing you all very happy and prosperous New Year! Hope you find this reading on Japanese New Year 2013 really interesting.
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