Japanese Celebrations. Betty Reynolds
TUTTLE PUBLISHING
Tokyo • Rutland, Vermont • Singapore
Published by Tuttle Publishing, an imprint of Periplus Editions (HK) Ltd., with editorial offices at 364 Innovation Drive, North Clarendon, Vermont 05759 U.S.A., and 61 Tai Seng Avenue, #02-12, Singapore 534167.
Text and illustrations copyright ©2006 Betty Reynolds
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior written permission from the publisher.
LCC Card No. 2005934420
ISBN: 978-1-4629-0633-8 (ebook)
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In memory of Elizabeth Reynolds and Vera Maher who turned every family gathering into a celebration
Thank you to my many friends in Japan who so generously shared their culture and their holidays. And a special thanks to my editor, Ed Walters.
O-Iwai
Shimasho
Let’s Celebrate!
The people of Japan love to celebrate! There is a special day—whether it recognizes a change in the seasons, a religious observance, or just a special moment in life—in every month of the year. Ancient traditions, exotic decorations and delicious, seasonal foods come together to create wonderfully festive occasions.
Although Japan is a modern, fast-paced country, the Japanese people still honor their customs. They have celebrated their holidays and festivals in the same way for centuries. For example, many people still dress in their beautiful, traditional costume—the kimono—for special events.
Many of the holidays are based on Japanese religious beliefs. Today, the thousands of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines serve as gathering places for families as they solemnly observe traditional religious rites, as well as joyfully eat, drink, shop and make merry. The shrine and temple grounds and the streets come alive—with strings of colorful paper lanterns overhead, and wall-to-wall with people shopping the street stalls.
The Japanese way of celebrating may seem very different to you, as it did to me when I lived in Tokyo. I hope this book takes you on an entertaining journey through a year of holiday fun in Japan.
O-shōgatsu
Japanese New Year January 1st
Shortly before midnight on New Year’s Eve, Buddhist priests appear carrying paper lanterns. Trickles at first, then streams, then rivers of people enter through the sacred gate and follow the priests into the temple. The smell of incense, the sounds of chanting and a large bell fill the air. All over Japan, families and friends are performing Hatsumodé—the year’s first worship at Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines to pray for good health and happiness. The New Year celebration is a joyous time that lasts several days. Special foods are prepared, debts are paid, houses are cleaned and decorations are hung to welcome back the Gods.
| Purify your hands in the stone basin. | Pull the rope to ring the bell. | Make an offering, if you wish. | Bow twice. | Clap twice. |