Out with the old and in with the new
The biggest celebration and holiday in Japan without a doubt is New year. Countries around the world watch the clock tick down and chime in a new start and the beginning of endless opportunities and experiences. Around this time of the year Japan prepares for the new year in many ways.
The first thing many do is Osoji, People deep clean their homes like spring cleaning in the west, the belief being that you that somethings no longer serve you and to treat the new year like a clean slate. Cleaning the home welcomes in good fortune and is a seen as sweeping away misfortune. This practice comes from Shinto and its values on purification. It can also be seen as being mindful and respectful Japan often shares the value of community and in schools’ students are taught from a young age that everyone helps. There is a fifteen-minute period every school day set aside for cleaning the school. The students clean their classrooms and are taught the values of community, responsibility and mindfulness. Osoji must be completed by the 31st as it is believed that cleaning on the first is bad luck.
Another tradition is Kagami Mochi, when I approached my first new year in Japan, I noticed stores everywhere selling white bun shaped items often with an orange stacked on top. Chalking it up to a traditional item for the new year I thought nothing of it until I realised what they were. I knew mochi was often eaten around new years but never realised that it was displayed in this form. This mochi is displayed in the home until the 11th where it is broken and enjoyed in various dishes or as it is. Kagami translates to mirror and the 11th is the date which is symbolises the opening of the mirror. Whilst on display the mochi is seen as an offering to the God Toshigami the new years deity it is believed to bring in health and prosperity. Not only this the mochi itself is delicious and can be eaten in several ways such as grilled with toppings or in a soup.
The next is perhaps the most widely known tradition the Hatsumode or first shrine visit. Many people line up very early before new years even draws in at times to make their first visit. Some of the most famous shrines in Japan experience lines that can take up to hours to wait in. This tradition is very important to people it allows them to pray for prosperity, health and a many personal wishes for the new year. People draw their fortunes and people bring their old charms to the shrine to be burned which is very symbolic. It is said that you can make your first shrine visit anytime within the first few days of the new year so if you are unable to go on the first it is ok.
Another tradition is the first sunrise or Hatsuhinode it is believed that deities gather for the first sunrise of the year and many people wake up early and go to witness it rise. It is said that tickets for the sky tree on this day are impossible to get hold of. many people will flock to high places to witness it. last year I witnessed mine over shanghai airport and this year I was high in the sky on my way to Taipei during it.
In the run up to new years people send cards to friends, family, coworkers and anyone who may have helped them during the year. These are Nengajo traditionally it was a postcode however with the birth of the internet many have reported people will now just send it in form of a text or digital card. Children receive money in red envelopes around this time of year too. It is believed you should send these cards to arrive for new years day itself. Which is impressive to me a Brit who often experiences delays and strikes with the postal service. I could imagine the whole system having a meltdown if everyone in the country tried to send something to arrive on the same day. Cards often display the Chinese zodiac animal for the new year and are believed to show value for connections and initially connection beyond the digital realm. But many of my coworkers have admitted sending digital versions is just easier and more reliable.
Another fun tradition seen around new years is the consumption of long foods such as Toshikoshi soba or noodles in general. The idea being consuming long foods will bring in longevity like how eating a fish in China is considered lucky but flipping over the fish is considered very bad luck as it symbolises flipping your fortune.
These are the main traditions in Japan which occur around or on new year. Wherever your are in the world the sentiment remains the same I hope you have an amazing new year, experience many more incredible things, eat amazing food and make memories that will last a lifetime.
