I
like watching anime of Japan. I learn about culture, lifestyle in the city and
countryside, how to make food on each occasion. In japan have a lot of
festival, I choose "Happy New Year" Festival to show you about
activities in that day. I think, it is interesting and fun.
On
the night of December 31, New Year's Eve in Japan. Department stores and shops
will be closed earlier than usual. During that time, atmosphere of quiet
because people are hurry to go home and prepare to celebrate with family or dating
with couple. But on the other hand, if a restaurant or 井坂や
(restaurant for drinking in Japan) is the most period to get money. Some stores
also provide customers with the opening all night. Whether it will be crowded
with people, although the need to queue for long stretches. They can wait for
hours.
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| Sweet Sake |
And
when it says to food. What do Japanese people eat on the night of December 31
to welcome the new year to come, it is 年越しそば : としこしそば (Toshikoshi Soba) with the belief that you
can live longer same the soba noodle. Various locations have activities too
such as amusement parks have various events to attend, such as the New Year
with fireworks and concerts. So people have come together countdown.
Celebration to welcome the New Year together. In cold weather with a warmth,
mirth and laughter. In that day, the railway line is also available as special
by increasing train and extending until the early hours as well.
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| So delicious |
According
to Shinto shrines or temples. It is crowded with people who had come to listen
to the chimes, New Year's Eve. Also known as除夜の鐘: じょやのかね (Joyanokane) that the ancient Japanese tradition to hit the bell
108 times, which is considered to repel evil 108 that is inherent in every
human. When you hit 108 times, It is considered that the passions of greed
inherent in being paid out. Ready to welcome the New Year with a wholesome
mind, literally.
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| Blessing at temples |
And
on into January 1, the first day of the year, called 元日:
がんじつ (Kang Chi su), which is like the day of the beginning. And
welcome new things into your life. People would flock to the temple to make
merit. Buddha for luck And pray for blessings from God. Which is called 初 诣: はつもうで (Hatsumode), which will start as from
January 1 to 3.
On the morning of
New Year's Day. Also known as the 元旦: がんたん (kangtan) for the family to stay together.
To the first meal of the new year together. Consisting of
おとそ
(Otosho) or sake herbs drink to celebrate the new year. And was believed to
ward off evil spirits and health as well.
お雑煮
: おぞうに
(Osoni) or mochi soup. a food made specifically for the new year.
おせち 料理: おせち りょうり(O Se Ji Ryori). Another traditional New Year. Which is fed to
keep up. Most are eaten for 3 days and includes a variety of fish such as
grilled fish, shrimp, seaweed, black beans
syrup.
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| Welcome to New Year |
I think, Japan is interesting place.
It have many culture, a lot of travel and beautiful places. The New year
festival in japan is just one example only. It have more festival in Japan such
as Valentine day and Thank giving day, School Festival, Summer festival and
etc.
I am impressed
that the Japanese people working on the festival. Because they must work as a
team. Although it have a conflict but the festival was able to come out
beautiful and admirable.