BySu Dan

Class Two

Japanese New Year

January 1st to 3rd are shougatsu (New Year's holidays 岁首，正月 ) in Japan. These are the most important holidays in Japan. People say to each other "ake-mashite-omedetou-gozaimasu" (Happy new year) whenever they see at the first time in the new year.

Osechi Ryouri( ぉ節料理 - 年节菜料理 )

1. Japanese people eat special dishes called osechi ryouri( ぉ節料理 -年节菜料理 ) during shogatsu( 岁首 ).

2. Osechi ryouri( ぉ節料理 - 年节菜料理 ) is packed in a Jubako box( 食盒 ), which has several layers.

3.The foods are colorful and artistically presented. Each dish has a particular meaning.

Jubako box

Mochi& Zouni 4. It is also traditional to eat mochi (rice

cake 年糕 ) dishes on New Year‘s Days. Zouni (rice cake soup 烩年糕 ) is the most popular mochi( 年糕 ) dish at this time. The ingredients( 成分 ) vary depending on regions and families. If you are lucky, you can taste many different zouni( 烩年糕 ). Zouni( 烩年糕 ) is usually soy-sauce based with pieces of chicken, chinese cabbage, carrot, green onion, and daikon( 萝卜 ) radishes .

HatsumoudeHatsumoude

It is traditional for Japanese people to visit to a It is traditional for Japanese people to visit to a shrine(shrine( 神社神社 ) or a temple during New Year's Days. ) or a temple during New Year's Days. People pray for safety, health and good fortune. The first People pray for safety, health and good fortune. The first visit to a temple or shrine in a year is called visit to a temple or shrine in a year is called Hatsumoude(Hatsumoude( 第一次去神社参拜 第一次去神社参拜 going to shrines to going to shrines to pray). It is not a very religious event but rather a pray). It is not a very religious event but rather a custom. You can go any shrine(custom. You can go any shrine( 神社神社 ) or temple near ) or temple near you for Hatsumoude(you for Hatsumoude( 去神庙祭拜去神庙祭拜 ). Many well-known ). Many well-known temples and shrines are extremely crowded. For temples and shrines are extremely crowded. For example, Tokyo Meiji Jinguu(example, Tokyo Meiji Jinguu( 东京明治神宫东京明治神宫 ), ), Kanagawa(Kanagawa( 神奈川县神奈川县 ) Kawasaki() Kawasaki( 川崎川崎 ) Taisya() Taisya( 大社大社 ), ), Chiba Naritasan(Chiba Naritasan( 千叶县成田山新胜寺千叶县成田山新胜寺 ), Nagoya Atsuta ), Nagoya Atsuta Jinguu(Jinguu( 名古屋热田神宫名古屋热田神宫 ) are very popular and ) are very popular and expected by a couple million visitors during New Year's expected by a couple million visitors during New Year's Days each year. Days each year.

Tokyo Meiji JinguuKanagawa Kawasaki Taisya

Chiba Naritasan

Nagoya Atsuta Jinguu

Since most businesses are closed Since most businesses are closed during the first three days of the year, during the first three days of the year, the streets tend to be quiet except for the streets tend to be quiet except for those near shrines and temples. those near shrines and temples. Nowadays, it is common for many Nowadays, it is common for many department stores to hold New Year's department stores to hold New Year's special sales at this time. So, you see special sales at this time. So, you see many shoppers in the street too. Some many shoppers in the street too. Some products are discounted a lot, so it products are discounted a lot, so it might be worth it to check the prices might be worth it to check the prices out if you have shopping needs.out if you have shopping needs.

Coming-of-Age Day (Seijin no hi)

1. The second Monday of January is Coming-of-Age Day, a national holiday to encourage those who have newly entered adulthood to become self-reliant( 独立的 ) members of society.

2. The holiday used to be on January 15, but in 2000 it was moved to the second Monday of the month. Municipal governments host special coming-of-age ceremonies for 20-year-olds, since an "adult" in Japan is legally defined as one who is 20 or over.

3. Gain the right to vote

4. Allowed to smoke and drink

5. Age 20 is a big turning point for the Japanese

Ceremonies

In the past boys marked their transition to adulthood when they were around 15, and girls celebrated their coming of age when they turned 13 or so. During the Edo period （江户时代） (1603-1868), boys had their forelocks( 额发 ) cropped off, and girls had their teeth dyed( 染 ) black. It wasn't until 1876 that 20 became the legal age of adulthood.

Wearing

A lot of females choose to wear traditional furisode （振袖，状似和服的长袖）

Sapporo( 札幌 ) Snow Festival The annual Sapporo( 札幌 ) Snow Festival is the most

famous winter festival in Japan and attracts many people from all over the world. This festival is held in early February and lasts about a week. More than 300 large snow statues are exhibited in three sites in Sapporo-city, Hokkaido( 北海道省 ): Odori Park( 大通公园 ), Makomanai( 真駒內 )and Susukino( 薄野 ) areas. At night those ice statues are illuminated( 照亮 ), and the views are incredible. You can view beautiful Sapporo( 札幌 ) Snow Festival photos.

Sapporo-city( 札幌 ) is the capital of Hokkaido prefecture( 北海道省 ), and the population is about 1.75 million. It is located in the south of Hokkaido island( 北海道岛 ).

Odori Park

Makomanai and Susukino

Girls' Festival in Japan March 3rd is Girls' Festival in Japan. Not an official holiday Pray girls’ health and happiness People display Hina-ningyou (the special

dolls which are only for this festival), offer hishi-mochi (red, white, and green lozenge-shaped 菱形 rice cakes) and peach blossoms and celebrate the festival with drinking shiro-zake (sweet white sake).

King and Queen dolls that were called Hina( 小偶人 ) dolls, and these dolls were displayed for only two or three days every year.

Full set of Dolls

Small set with palace

Emperor and Empress

•Hinamatsuri was mostly Hinamatsuri was mostly celebrated in cities, but after celebrated in cities, but after the Meiji Era, 1868-1912, the Meiji Era, 1868-1912, when hina-ningyou were when hina-ningyou were merchandized(merchandized( 商品商品 ), this ), this custom became widespread custom became widespread across the whole country and across the whole country and became the main event of became the main event of the sekku in March. the sekku in March.

Hina-okuri Hina-okuri •people float paper dolls down rivers people float paper dolls down rivers

late on the afternoon of March 3, still late on the afternoon of March 3, still exists in various areas exists in various areas

•Originally, the paper dolls were made Originally, the paper dolls were made to represent each person and all the to represent each person and all the ill-fortunes that might visit that ill-fortunes that might visit that person in the coming year were person in the coming year were wished onto the doll. wished onto the doll.

•Then the doll was sent away on the Then the doll was sent away on the river, taking the bad luck with it. river, taking the bad luck with it.

•Mother made special dishes.Mother made special dishes.

•Friends who were girls and Friends who were girls and the daughter sang a song, ate the daughter sang a song, ate wonderful dishes, and drank a wonderful dishes, and drank a weak sake(weak sake( 清酒清酒 ) drink that ) drink that was called sweety alcohol. was called sweety alcohol.

•Father always presented for Father always presented for she a lot of flowers. she a lot of flowers.

•Not need to do homework!!Not need to do homework!!

Japanese Plum Festivals

February is the best time for viewing plum blossoms in the Honshu( 本州 ) region, Japan.

Take a walk in your neighborhood to view the pretty plum blossoms!

Also, visit plum blossom festivals held at this time of the year.

梅花节

Atami Plum Garden (Atami Baien 热海梅园 )

Atami baien is located in Atami-city 热海 , Shizuoka( 静冈 ) Pref. Atami baien is 15min. by bus from Atami station. To get to Atami station, take the JR Tokaido东海道新干线 line train or Tokaido Shinkansen( 新干线 ). It takes about one hour if you take shinkansen from Tokyo and about two hours from Osaka( 大阪 ). From Atami station, take the bus for Aino-hara-Danchi or for Baien( 梅园 ) to Baien-mae stop. There are about 800 plum trees in the garden and they are usually in full bloom until the end of March. There will be also various events on Saturdays and Sundays during this festival.

Mito Kairakuen Plum Festival

Kairakuen Park is located in Mito-city( 水戸市 ), Ibaraki( 茨城 ) Pref. From late February to early March each year, the Plum Festival is held. Kairakuen Park is one of the three great parks of Japan: the other two are Kenrokuen Park in Kanazawa and Korakuen Park in Okayama( 冈山 ). The ninth Mito Clan( 氏族 ) Lord, Nariaki Tokugawa( 水户藩第 9 代藩主德川齐昭 ) created this park in 1841. This 13-hectare park has 3,000 plum trees of 100 varieties, so you can view pink and white blossoms all over. Mito is just north of Tokyo. It takes about one hour by the JR Joban line express train to Mito from Ueno( 上野 ), Tokyo.

Ceremony of Water and Ceremony of Water and FireFire The ceremony of water and fire in Nara Todaiji The ceremony of water and fire in Nara Todaiji

temple(temple( 奈良东大寺奈良东大寺 ) is called shunie ceremony, ) is called shunie ceremony, which is also known as Omizutori (which is also known as Omizutori ( お水取りお水取り , , "water. taking"). "water. taking").

Todaiji temple is well known for hosting Japan‘s Todaiji temple is well known for hosting Japan‘s largest Buddha statue. Shunie means the largest Buddha statue. Shunie means the ceremony of February in Japanese and is the ceremony of February in Japanese and is the series of Buddhist rituals, in which priests pray series of Buddhist rituals, in which priests pray to the eleven-headed goddess Kannon(to the eleven-headed goddess Kannon( 观音观音 ) by ) by confessing(confessing( 忏悔忏悔 ) their sins and defilement. The ) their sins and defilement. The ceremony is held at nigatsudo hall(ceremony is held at nigatsudo hall( 二月堂二月堂 ). ). Eleven priests, called rengyoshu, pray for Eleven priests, called rengyoshu, pray for nation's prosperity and world peace by nation's prosperity and world peace by strengthening their piety through religious strengthening their piety through religious exercise.exercise.

Shunie ceremony is held from March 1st Shunie ceremony is held from March 1st to 14th (it's in February in the lunar(to 14th (it's in February in the lunar( 月亮月亮 ) ) calendar) every year at Todaiji temple, calendar) every year at Todaiji temple, Nara. Nara.

Two o'clock in the morning of the 13th of Two o'clock in the morning of the 13th of March.March.

The priests, led by torchlight, scoop up The priests, led by torchlight, scoop up perfumed water from the Wakasa Well perfumed water from the Wakasa Well located below Nigatsudo. located below Nigatsudo.

This water is given to the people and This water is given to the people and offered to the eleven-faced Kannon-image offered to the eleven-faced Kannon-image at Nigatsudo hall. at Nigatsudo hall.

The sacred water is poured into two pots. The sacred water is poured into two pots. One pot is filled with water from the One pot is filled with water from the previous year. The other one is filled with previous year. The other one is filled with water from the past rituals from 1,200 water from the past rituals from 1,200 years! years!

Ceremony of FireCeremony of FireThis is called otaimatsu. This is called otaimatsu. Visit Nigatsudo hallVisit Nigatsudo hall （二月堂） （二月堂）

to observe the first watch of to observe the first watch of the night between 6pm-7pm the night between 6pm-7pm to view this ceremony. to view this ceremony.

On the 12th, 11 priests carry 11 torchesOn the 12th, 11 priests carry 11 torches(( 火把火把 ) to the balcony instead of 10 priests. ) to the balcony instead of 10 priests. This ritual is called dattan, and the This ritual is called dattan, and the priests, with big torches in their hands, priests, with big torches in their hands, run through the balcony. They perform run through the balcony. They perform hashirinogyoho (the ritual of hashirinogyoho (the ritual of circumambulation), chanting(circumambulation), chanting( 圣歌圣歌 ), as ), as they wave rods and swords to ward off they wave rods and swords to ward off evil spirits. Their huge shadows can be evil spirits. Their huge shadows can be seen on the wall behind a veil(seen on the wall behind a veil( 面纱面纱 ). When ). When the priests are revealed, they run, the priests are revealed, they run, swinging their torches. You will see swinging their torches. You will see showers of flickering light and sparks from showers of flickering light and sparks from the burning torches. It's believed that if a the burning torches. It's believed that if a child wears a dattan hat, which was used child wears a dattan hat, which was used for the dattan ritual, he or she will grow for the dattan ritual, he or she will grow up healthly and have a happy future. up healthly and have a happy future.

Cherry Blossom Viewing in Japan （樱花节）

• Cherry blossom viewing has been a Japanese custom since the 7th century .

• drink, eat, and sing during the day and night

• Dango is very popular .• There are cherry trees everywhere in

Japan.

• the national flower of Japan • The Japanese cherry tree does not

yield fruit like other cherry trees. • Spring cherry blossom (sakura 樱花 ) viewing parties last from late March to April to late May.

• In Tokyo, Ueno( 上野 ) park and Yoyoki park( 代代木公园 ) are very popular places for cherry blossom viewing.

• If you do not like a crowd, you can go to mountains or other quiet places for cherry blossom viewing.

Boys' FestivalTango-no-Sekku( 端

午の节句 ), the Boys' Festival .

It is Japan's way of celebrating the healthy growth and development of her young boys.

nearly everywhere huge, gay-colored Koi-Nobori( 鲤形条幅 ), carp-like ( 鲤鱼形 ) streamers made of paper or cloth, which fill with wind and seem to swim in the air.

the most spirited of fish So full of energy and power that it

can fight its way up swift-running( 快速流动 ) streams and cascades( 小瀑布 ). Because of its strength and determination to overcome all obstacles( 障碍 ), it stands for courage and the ability to attain high goals. The carp is an appropriate symbol to encourage manliness( 刚毅 ) and the overcoming of life's difficulties leading to consequent success.

The Origin Of Boys’ Festival

some historians trace it to an ancient rural Chinese custom (Sechie), in which the royals guards wore ceremonial helmets and carried bows and arrows, which became popular at the Japanese court during the days of the Empress Regnant Suiko (593-629 A.D.).

One legend relates that the festival is a branch of a custom practiced by farmers in May, the time when insects begin to appear to harm the young plants.

The farmers tried to drive the insects away by frightening them with bright banners and grotesque( 奇形怪状的 ) figures.

As the Musha-Ningyo (warrior dolls 勇士娃娃 ) became more artistic, they were gradually displayed indoors, not to scare away insects but to remind the young boys of the family of manliness and to ward off evil spirits.

Another legend traces the origin of the Boys' Festival to Tokimune Hojo( 北条时宗 )'s victory over the invading Mongols on May 5, 1282. As a result, Samurai( 武士 ) families erected( 使竖立 ) the flags and streamers in celebration of the victory.

Others believe that the unification( 统一 ) of the country by the Ashikaga Shogun( 足利将军 ) in the 14th century had been celebrated in this fashion on every May 5 until the interior decorations came to be emphasized.

In the modern observance of Tango-no-Sekku, a display is arranged in the tokonoma( 壁龛 ), or alcove( 壁橱 ), in the guest rooms of Japanese houses.

Among the decorations are a miniature helmet( 微型盔甲 ), suits of armor( 装甲 ), a sword, a bow and arrow, silk banners( 旗帜 ) bearing the family crest( 家徽 ) and the warrior dolls which represent Kintaro( 金太郎 ), a Herculean( 巨大的 ) boy who grew up to be a general; Shoki( 钟馗 ), an ancient Chinese general believed to protect people from devils; and Momotaro( 桃太郎 ), the Japanese David the Giant killer

Their parents provide them with the traditional cates such as Chimaki (sweet rice dumplings wrapped in iris or bamboo leaves粽子 ) and Kashiwa-Mochi (rice cakes containing sweet stuffing wrapped in oak leaves 用檞树叶包的带馅儿的年糕 ).

Shobu ( 菖蒲 ) The iris leaf is prominent in the observance of

Tango-no-Sekku because the sound of the word Shobu( 菖蒲 ), although written with different characters, implies striving( 努力 ) for success.

On May 5, the Japanese steep( 浸泡 ) the leaves in hot water and enjoy the fragrant( 芳香的 ) Shobu-yu (iris hot-bath 菖蒲浴 ) because of the traditional belief that the iris bath is a miraculous prophylactic ( 预防药 )against all kinds of sickness.

Also for the festival, finely-chopped iris leaves are mixed with Sake( 清酒 ) to produce a drink (Shobu-sake 菖蒲酒 ) especially enjoyed by the Samurai( 武士 ) of old.

people still observe the custom of putting iris leaves on the eaves( 屋檐 ) of their houses on May 5 as a talisman( 护身符 ) against the possible outbreak of a fire or presence of evil spirits.

Aomori Nebuta Festival

( 青森睡魔节 )•It's held from Aug. 2 to Aug. 7

every year. Over 20 nebuta floats are pulled by people in the streets of Aomori( 青森 )-city. Also,Aomori( 青森 ) citizens and audience participate in the festival as dancers called haneto( 跳人 ).

•Practiced in Tohoku region( 东北地区 )

• It is a variation( 变化 ) of the purification( 净化 ) ceremony which consists to flow away paper lanterns( 纸灯笼 ) with everything evil by waters.

•Before Meiji era, they might be at most carried with hands or on shoulders.

•After the war, as a tourist attraction, their size has increased more and finally they are no more carried on shoulders.

How To Make A Nabuta Float

1.Designing Getting materials from historical story, designer starts drawing laugh design by pencil and then colors up. Nebuta designer takes most time for this stage.

2.BuildingNebuta Tent

Building Nebuta tents for making and containing Nebuta. Its size becomes 12m width, 12m depth, 6m to 7m hight.

3.Parts Production Making parts ( "face" " hands" "legs" "knife" " spear" etc,) as previously arranged. If the rough drawing is finishied earlier, these parts are prepared before the tent is built.

4.Framing Making wooden frame in order to paste Japanese paper( 和纸 ) with wires and strings. (Before around 1955, bamboo is used instead of wires.)

5.Electric Wiring Electric bulbs and fluorescent lamps (600 to 800 pieces 荧光灯 ) are used inside Nebuta, though candles are used in old days.

6.Paper Pasting Pasting paper, lest it runs off the edge. It is the most difficult process of Nebuta production.

•7. Drawing (Sumi Ink)

Drawing with Sumi Ink. 书法和绘画用的烟灰墨块

8.Drawing (Braze) Patterning with colored braze.

It also prevents from blotting( 吸墨水纸 ).

9.Painting Painting with colorant( 着

色剂 ).

10.Placing Placing Nebuta on the 2m height base by 50 people. Nebuta hight becomes 5m altogether.

Tanabata Japanese Star Tanabata Japanese Star Festival(Festival( 乞巧节乞巧节 ))

►July 7th is called Tanabata(July 7th is called Tanabata( 七夕七夕 ) in ) in Japan. Japan.

►People write their wishes on tanzaku People write their wishes on tanzaku paper (colorful, small strips of paper) paper (colorful, small strips of paper) and hang them on bamboo branches. and hang them on bamboo branches.

►Many cities and towns hold festivals Many cities and towns hold festivals and have Tanabata displays decorating and have Tanabata displays decorating the main streets. the main streets.

►In some regions, people light lanterns In some regions, people light lanterns and float them on the river, or float and float them on the river, or float bamboo leaves on the river.bamboo leaves on the river.

►The most common The most common Tanabata(Tanabata( 七夕七夕 ) decorations ) decorations are colorful streamers. are colorful streamers.

►Other common decorations Other common decorations are Toami (casting netare Toami (casting net 钓竿钓竿儿儿 ) .) .

►Kinchaku (bagKinchaku (bag 旅行箱旅行箱 ))

The Origin Of The Origin Of TanabataTanabata

►Tanabata originated Tanabata originated more than 2000 years more than 2000 years ago with an old ago with an old Chinese tale called Chinese tale called Kikkoden(Kikkoden( 七仙女七仙女 ).).

►Once there was a weaver princess named Once there was a weaver princess named Orihime(Orihime( 织女织女 ) and a cow herder prince ) and a cow herder prince named Hikoboshi(named Hikoboshi( 牛郎牛郎 ) living in space. ) living in space. After they got together, they were playing After they got together, they were playing all the time and forgot their jobs. The king all the time and forgot their jobs. The king was angry at them and separated them on was angry at them and separated them on opposite sides of the Amanogawa River(opposite sides of the Amanogawa River( 银银河河 ) (Milky Way). The king allowed them to ) (Milky Way). The king allowed them to meet only once a year on July 7th. This is meet only once a year on July 7th. This is why Tanabata(why Tanabata( 七夕七夕 ) is also called the Star ) is also called the Star Festival. People say that Orihime(Festival. People say that Orihime( 织女织女 ) and ) and Hikoboshi(Hikoboshi( 牛郎牛郎 ) can't meet each other if ) can't meet each other if July 7th is rainy, so they pray for good July 7th is rainy, so they pray for good weather and also make wishes for weather and also make wishes for themselves. themselves.

► In many regions in Japan, In many regions in Japan, Tanabata(Tanabata( 七夕七夕 ) is celebrated ) is celebrated on August 7th (which is near on August 7th (which is near July 7th on the lunar calendar) July 7th on the lunar calendar) instead of July 7th. instead of July 7th.

►Tanabata(Tanabata( 七夕七夕 ) events are ) events are held all over Japan, but the held all over Japan, but the festivals in Sendai-city(festivals in Sendai-city( 仙台仙台市市 ), Miyagi(), Miyagi( 宫崎宫崎 ) Prefecture ) Prefecture and Hiratsuka-city(and Hiratsuka-city( 平冢市平冢市 ), ), Kanagawa(Kanagawa( 神奈川县神奈川县 ) ) Prefecture are particularly Prefecture are particularly well-known. well-known.

Obon Festival(Obon Festival( 盂兰盆节盂兰盆节 ))

The 13th through 16th of The 13th through 16th of August is called obon(August is called obon( 盂兰盆盂兰盆节节 ) in Japan. ) in Japan.

Obon(Obon( 盂兰盆节盂兰盆节 ) is a ) is a Buddhist event and one of Buddhist event and one of the most important traditions the most important traditions for Japanese people. for Japanese people.

Pray for the repose(Pray for the repose( 休息休息 )) of of the souls of one's ancestorsthe souls of one's ancestors(( 祖先祖先 )) ..

People believe that their People believe that their ancestors(ancestors( 祖先祖先 )) ' spirits ' spirits come back to their homes to come back to their homes to be reunited with their family be reunited with their family during obon(during obon( 盂兰盆节盂兰盆节 ).).

People clean their houses and People clean their houses and offer a variety of food such as offer a variety of food such as vegetables and fruits to the spirits vegetables and fruits to the spirits of ancestors in front of a butsudan of ancestors in front of a butsudan (Buddhist families altar(Buddhist families altar 祭坛祭坛 ). The ). The butsudan is decorated with flower butsudan is decorated with flower and chouchin (paper lanterns). On and chouchin (paper lanterns). On the 13th, chouchins are lit inside the 13th, chouchins are lit inside houses, and people go to their houses, and people go to their family's ohaka (graves) to call their family's ohaka (graves) to call their ancestors' spirits back home.ancestors' spirits back home.

On the 16th, people On the 16th, people bring the ancestor's bring the ancestor's spirits back to spirits back to ohaka(graves), hanging ohaka(graves), hanging chouchins (paper chouchins (paper lanterns) painted with lanterns) painted with the family crest to the family crest to guide the ancestors'(guide the ancestors'( 祖祖先先 ) spirits.) spirits.

In some regions, fires In some regions, fires called mukaebi(called mukaebi( 迎火迎火 ) are ) are lit at the entrances to lit at the entrances to homes to guide the homes to guide the ancestor's spirits. ancestor's spirits.

In some regions, fires In some regions, fires called okuribi(called okuribi( 送火送火 ) are lit ) are lit at entrances of homes to at entrances of homes to send the ancestors' spirits. send the ancestors' spirits.