New Year is one of the most anticipated holidays around the world, and Japan is no exception. Come on, see the following some of Japanese New Year traditions!
Japan is a country rich in culture. Not only carry out cultural ceremonies on various important days, but Japanese people also carry out various traditions at New Year's, you know. Here are some Japanese traditions that are carried out to welcome the new year.
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Oosoji
As we already know, Japanese people always maintain cleanliness. Apart from cleaning their daily lives, Japanese people also carry out a large-scale cleaning tradition before the new year which is called 'Oosoji'.
Oosoji usually starts in mid-December. Not only homes, but those who have a business also start cleaning offices, shops, and kiosks from top to bottom, down to even the tiniest corners.
Oosoji is done because of the belief that the Japanese people believe that the god of good luck, Toshigami, will come before the new year. They also believe that the new year must also be greeted with a clean soul.
Oshogatsu Kazari & Kagami Mochi
After 'Oosoji', Japanese people also decorate the front of the house with 'Oshogatsu Kazari', or decorations generally made of pine, bamboo, and straw which are believed to drive away evil spirits. Oshogatsu Kazari is usually hung on the front door of the house.
Apart from that, there is also 'Kagami Mochi', a circle-shaped mochi cake topped with oranges and ornaments that signify the zodiac in the coming year. Kagami Mochi is placed inside the house which is also intended as an offering to the God 'Toshigami'.
Toshikoshi Soba
Important celebrations do not escape from enjoying special dishes with family and relatives. In Japan, welcoming the new year is done with 'Toshikosi Soba' which is eaten on New Year's Eve. This noodle dish, also known as 'Omisoka', is believed to symbolize longevity, strength, and the joy one hopes to experience in the coming year. For you who want to try Toshikoshi Soba or Omisoka, please visit Kandara Japanese Cuisine in Gading Serpong, Tangerang. One of the must-visit and hidden gems of a Japanese restaurant in Serpong.
Joya No Kane
Buddhist temples in Japan also carry out New Year's traditions. Before New Year's Eve, the shrine will ring its big bell 108 times starting a few minutes before midnight. The number represents the sum of human worldly desires and feelings, such as anger and jealousy, and each sound of the bell is aimed at ridding humans of these qualities.