As time flows and we approach December, many Japanese families may have already started preparing for the New Year with items such as toshikoshi soba and osechi ryori.
This article will explore the unique New Year traditions of Japan and trace their historical origins.
[Year-End]
● Year-End Cleaning
There is a tradition of “cleaning away the dust of the year” in Japan.
The origin of year-end cleaning can be traced back to the Heian period's ritual called "susuharai(煤払い)", which involves cleaning away the accumulated dust of the year to welcome the New Year's deity, Toshigami (歳神).
During the Edo period, "susuharai" was typically performed on December 13th of the lunar calendar. Therefore, in modern times, December 13th is designated as "Susuharai Day," marking the start of New Year preparations, including year-end cleaning.
● Toshikoshi Soba (Year-End Soba Noodles)
When it comes to food eaten on New Year's Eve, one must think of Toshikoshi Soba.
It is said that this custom appeared during the Edo period, when soba noodles were as popular among citizens as modern fast food.
There are several reasons for eating soba noodles on New Year's Eve:
1. Soba noodles break more easily than other types of noodles, symbolizing the cutting off of the year's misfortunes, which is considered auspicious.
2. The long, thin shape of soba noodles represents a wish for longevity.
* When moving to a new home, Japanese people have a custom of giving soba noodles to their neighbors, symbolizing a long-lasting relationship.
3. Metalworkers used soba flour to form balls to collect gold and silver dust.
It is said that during the Edo period, citizens were very particular about auspicious symbols and valued the meanings behind patterns. The practice of attaching these blessed symbols to objects to signify "good luck" was popular among the people at that time.
Toshikoshi Soba
●Joya no Kane (New Year's Eve Bells)
It is said that "Joya no Kane" was introduced to Japan by Chinese Zen monks during the Kamakura period.
From New Year's Eve to New Year's Day, the bell is rung 108 times, crossing midnight hour. The number 108 symbolizes the 108 earthly desires of humans.
Joya no Kane
Ringing the bell 108 times is an ancient tradition.
●Kadomatsu (New Year Pine Decoration)
From the end of the year to the New Year period, Japanese people decorate their doorways with "Kadomatsu." This custom originated from the Heian period court ceremony called "Komatsubiki."
"Komatsubiki" involves bringing a small pine tree home on the first "Rat Day" of the year and decorating the entrance with it to pray for longevity.
Pine trees, which remain green throughout the year, have been cherished as symbols of good fortune since ancient times.
The shape and size of Kadomatsu vary by region, but they typically consist of three bamboo stalks of different lengths, adorned with pine branches, plum branches, and tied with a thick rope.
Using three bamboo stalks of different lengths.
Kadomatsu decorated at the entrance or doorway.
●Shimekazari and Shimenawa
"Shimekazari," or "Shimenawa" seen at shrines during Hatsumode, are common New Year decorations that symbolize welcoming the Toshigami.
Starting from December 13th each year, households begin to hang Shimekazari as part of their New Year preparations. It is believed that hanging Shimekazari on December 28th is particularly auspicious.
Several types of Shimekazari
Several types of Shimekazari
Shimenawa hanging on the torii gate of Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine
Shimenawa at Suwa Taisha Akimiya
Depending on the region, the period during which Kadomatsu and Shimekazari are displayed is called "Matsu no Uchi," which lasts from the end of the year until January 7th of the following year.
After the decoration period ends, Shimekazari or Shimenawa are burned as offerings during the "Dondo Yaki" or "Otakiage" ceremonies held at shrines.
Several types of Shimekazari
After being used, the Shimenawa will be burned during the
●Kagami Mochi
"Kagami Mochi" is a traditional offering made of stacked round rice cakes of varied sizes, decorated with orange and yuzu leaves on top. It is an essential item for New Year celebrations and has been used as an offering to the Toshigami (New Year's deity) since the Muromachi period.
The name "Kagami Mochi" comes from its resemblance to ancient mirrors.
Modern versions of Kagami Mochi are often simpler than traditional ones. Traditionally, it is placed on a "sanpo" (a traditional wooden tray) covered with white washi paper, and decorated with fern leaves, yuzu leaves, Kagami Mochi, an orange (symbolizing "family prosperity"), and kombu (a play on the word "joy" in Japanese) as auspicious items.
January 11th is "Kagami Biraki," a day when people take down the Kagami Mochi, break it with a wooden mallet, and eat it to pray for health and ward off misfortune.
Kagami Mochi
[New Year]
●Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the New Year)
Traditionally, the head of each household would visit a nearby shrine to pray between New Year's Eve and New Year's Day morning. This custom is known as "Toshigomori."
The custom of
During Hatsumode, the atmosphere is lively and bustling with people.
●Hamaya (Demon-Breaking Arrows)
During Hatsumode, shrines or temples grant "Hamaya."
"Hamaya" symbolizes "breaking the misfortunes that befall you and praying for happiness," as well as "hitting the target of good fortune for the entire year."
It is said that Hamaya originated from rituals such as "Sharai" and "Hamauchi," which were held during the New Year to pray for a bountiful harvest.
Since Hamaya serves as a protective charm for the year, worshippers usually return it to the shrine or temple where it was received in the following year.
Hamaya
Hamaya
●Osechi Ryori (New Year's Cuisine)
"Osechi Ryori" refers to the food prepared to celebrate various seasonal festivals.
Among these festivals, New Year is the most important, and every household prepares Osechi Ryori as offerings to the Toshigami.
Each dish in Osechi Ryori carries different blessings and meanings, such as "black beans and dried sardines symbolizing the ability to work healthily" and "herring roe symbolizing prosperity due to the abundance of eggs." People enjoy these dishes during the New Year to pray for good fortune throughout the year.
Osechi Ryori includes a wide variety of ingredients.
Osechi Ryori in Stacked Boxes
Black Beans
Herring Roe
Summary
As the phrase "Shisho Bansou (師匠奔走) " suggests, even those who are usually calm and composed, like monks, become busy and frantic in December to prepare for the festivities.
Taking a break from work to tidy up the house while reflecting on the past year or preparing for the holidays while looking forward to the new year are both wonderful moments.
May your New Year be filled with joy, good health, and success!
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