New Years in Japan.

One of the most important, if not THE most important, holiday on the Japanese calendar, New Years, is celebrated for days, both before and after January 1st.

The Japanese celebrate many "firsts" of the new year among them the ~ first shrine visit, the first sunrise (Hatsu hinode), even the first calligraphy of the New Year (Kakizome).

Starting just before midnight, temple bells are rung 108 times (8 times in the old year and 100 times in the new), for the 108 sins of the Buddhist belief. New Year's postcards (Nengajo) are delivered by the billions, usually decorated with pictures of the animal representing the new year, according to the Chinese zodiac calendar. See below for a link to a Chinese calendar.

Families gather together and welcome the deity of the incoming year, (Toshigami), with feasts of traditional foods including zoni, a soup containing mochi (the pounded rice traditionally served at the New Year).

Traditionally, games are played, such as hanetsuki, a badminton-like game played with a paddle called a hagoita; nowdays, the hagoita are sold as decorative items. Many of the traditional games are fading out of the popular culture. Children receive money in specially decorated envelopes (there are envelopes also for weddings, funerals, etc.). Typically, a child might receive the equivalent of about $250.

My New Year blessings to all:

May your first sunrise of the new year be beautiful, Hatsu hinode. 2005 is the year of the Rooster! Do you know the Animal that hides in your heart?