Japan New Year S Eve Traditions
Ushering in good fortune is the rationale behind many japanese new year traditions so it s not surprising that some dishes are designated as luck bringing ones.
Japan new year s eve traditions. Omisoka is the japanese expression for new year s eve. There is a ritual performed at buddhist temples on new year s eve called joya no kane during which bells are rung 108 times to purify attendees of the 108 delusions that inhabit human beings according to buddhist belief meiji jingu in tokyo is a one of the most popular destinations for a new. This is an extension of the general idea that you should wrap up loose ends before the end of the year.
On new year s eve toshikoshi soba buckwheat noodles symbolizing longevity are served. To learn more about these foods read about it in this other post. Toshikoshi soba literally year crossing buckwheat noodles are served hot on new year s eve to symbolize the cutting off of the year s misfortunes as well as wishes for good luck and long life.
Many japanese also pay an evening visit to shinto shrines and buddhist temples on new year s eve. It s customary for people in japan to say to each other akemashite omedetou gozaimasu or happy new year whenever they see each other for the first time after jan. Eating traditional new year s food.
This tradition is known as nenmatsu no osoji literally year end cleaning. Japanese people eat special dishes called osechi ryori during shogatsu. There is always a rush to send off new year s cards in japan.
Other new year traditions in japan the time around the new year is traditionally spent with one s family. Joya no kane every year at the stroke of midnight on new year s eve buddhist temples all over japan ring their bonsho temple bells an even 108 times an event known as joya no kane. That is why it is very common to send presents and new year greeting cards nengajo to friends and relatives.
While the rush doesn t usually reach the i m going to strangle you over the last frisk me elmo frenzy level it is a very important tradition that most people do. The older family members usually give money in a small cute envelope called otoshi dama to the youngest members of the family. Another big tradition in japanese culture is eating certain foods toshikoshi soba is eaten on the eve of new years while ozoni and osechi are enjoyed the actual day of.