As it does every year, New Year’s Day beckons with a special kind of anticipation – an anticipation that shows itself in the form of Oshogatsu!
Though many of its customs and traditions have been around for centuries, there are unique preparations required to make your Oshogatsu celebration just right. Read on to discover the essential elements involved in Oshogatsu and find out how you can make sure your own celebrations are perfect!
What is Oshogatsu?
Oshogatsu is the Japanese New Year, and is one of the most important holidays in the Japanese calendar. It is a time for families to come together and celebrate the start of a new year. traditionally, Oshogatsu has been a time for cleaning the house and getting rid of all the old things that are no longer needed. This is because it is believed that if you start the new year with a clean slate, you will have good luck in the coming year.
Oshogatsu celebrations typically last for three days, from December 31st to January 3rd. On New Year’s Eve, known as oomisoka, families will gather together and eat a special meal called osechi ryori. This meal usually consists of several small dishes that are eaten with rice. Some of these dishes include fish, vegetables, and pickled ginger. After dinner, families will often watch television together or play games. At midnight, everyone goes outside to watch the first sunrise of the new year, known as hatsu hi no mairi.
The following day, on New Year’s Day itself, families visit temples or shrines to pray for good fortune in the coming year. This is known as hatsumode. Many people also take this opportunity to exchange money with family and friends as gifts for the new year. The third day of Oshogatsu is called koshougatsu, and is dedicated to spending time with family and friends. Families will usually visit each other or go to an amusement park.
Oshogatsu is an important holiday in Japan, and many families are eager to share this special time together. It is a unique opportunity for friends and family to gather together, connect with one another, and welcome the start of a new year full of possibilities and hope.
Preparations Required for Oshogatsu
As Oshogatsu approaches, preparations must be made in order to ensure that the holiday is celebrated correctly. The traditional meal for Oshogatsu is sushi and sashimi, so it is important to stock up on fresh fish beforehand. In addition, Oshogatsu decorations such as kadomatsu and Shimenawa must be purchased or made.
Oshogatsu is a time for families to come together and celebrate, so it is important to make sure that all the necessary preparations are made in advance. By doing so, you can relax and enjoy the holiday season with your loved ones.
Traditional Celebrations During Oshogatsu
There are many traditional celebrations that take place during Oshogatsu. One of the most popular is the eating of mochi, which is a type of rice cake. Other traditional foods include kagami mochi (a mirror-like rice cake), ozoni (a soup with mochi in it), and sekihan (rice with red beans).
Another popular tradition is the decoration of kadomatsu, which are pine and bamboo decorations that are put up in front of homes and businesses. People also often display Daruma dolls, which are believed to bring good luck.
One of the most well-known traditions is the ringing of temple bells on New Year’s Eve. This is done 108 times, as it is said to cleanse away 108 types of human desires.
Other popular traditions include writing New Year’s cards (nengajo), giving gifts (otoshidama), and visiting shrines and temples.
Modern Adaptations to the Tradition of Oshogatsu
Though Oshogatsu is a centuries-old tradition, modern Japanese families have adapted the holiday to suit their own needs and lifestyles. For many families, Oshogatsu is now a time to get together and relax, rather than a time for rigid religious observance.
One popular modern adaptation is the practice of eating soba noodles on New Year’s Eve. This tradition is said to bring good luck in the new year, and it’s a fun way for families to spend time together before the big day.
Another common modern adaptation is the inclusion of Western elements into Oshogatsu celebrations. Many families now exchange gifts on New Year’s Day, and some even have a Christmas tree in their homes during December.
There are endless ways that families can adapt Oshogatsu to fit their own needs and preferences. The important thing is to create traditions that bring everyone joy and happiness in the new year.
Popular Foods Eaten During Oshogatsu
Popular Foods Eaten During Oshogatsu
The Oshogatsu holidays are a time for families to come together and celebrate. A traditional part of the celebrations is eating festive foods. Here are some of the most popular Oshogatsu foods:
Osechi ryori: This is a collection of small dishes that are served on special lacquerware. It typically includes things like sushi, sashimi, grilled fish, stewed meats, and pickled vegetables.
Zoni: This soup is made with mochi (rice cakes), vegetables, and sometimes seafood. It’s often eaten on New Year’s Day as the first meal of the year.
Kagami mochi: These rice cakes are decorated with a daidai (a citrus fruit). They’re traditionally eaten on New Year’s Eve as part of the ceremonies to welcome in the new year.
Oshiruko: This sweet red bean soup is usually served with mochi. It’s a comfort food that’s often eaten during cold weather.
Recommended Activities for the New Year
There are a few key activities that are recommended for celebrating Oshogatsu, or the Japanese New Year. The first is eating osechi ryori, a traditional Japanese New Year’s food. This meal is often served in lacquerware and includes dishes such as grilled salmon, simmered vegetables, and pickled ginger.
Another recommended activity is visiting a shrine or temple. This is typically done on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day, and many people visit multiple shrines throughout the holiday period. At each shrine, worshippers will purchase amulets and good luck charms, and often make monetary offerings.
Finally, it is customary to exchange New Year’s cards (nengajo) with friends and family. These cards usually feature images of traditional New Year’s motifs such as the zodiac animal of the upcoming year, Mount Fuji, or temples.
Oshogatsu is a beloved traditional Japanese holiday that celebrates the coming of the New Year. It’s steeped in ancient customs, rituals and traditions. Although it’s celebrated differently all around Japan, the common thread between each celebration is joy and appreciation for what has been and what will be to come in the new year. Oshogatsu is not just about celebrating but also serves as a reminder to value family, friendships and community ties during this special time of year.
