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If you're planning your next trip and are fascinated by experiencing different cultures and their unique festivals, then Japan should be your next destination. Japan is known for its vivid culture and fascinating customs, especially its New Year celebration, often referred to as 'Shogatsu' or 'Oshougatsu'.
An Overview of 'Shogatsu'
Just like how important Diwali is to India, 'Shogatsu', the Japanese New Year, is the most important holiday in Japan. It is a significant family event celebrated with specific customs and rituals that may be new and interesting to travelers. Shogatsu, officially celebrated from January 1st to 3rd, sees various joyous activities and exquisite culinary delights illuminating the Japanese households.
Experiencing 'Hatsumode'
The first visit to a shrine or temple in the New Year, known as 'Hatsumode', is a significant event during Shogatsu. The shrines and temples are beautifully decorated, and people offer prayers for good health and fortune in the upcoming year. It is an enchanting experience filled with the spiritual essence that offers a glance into the deeply rooted cultural practices of Japan.
The Exquisite Cuisine of Shogatsu
No Japanese celebration would be complete without discussing its beautiful cuisine. 'Osechi-ryori', the traditional Japanese New Year food, comprises a variety of dishes, each signifying a different wish like longevity, happiness, and prosperity, served in special boxes known as 'jubako'. You cannot miss the 'Ozoni', a special New Year's soup with rice cakes, and 'Toshikoshi Soba', the traditional New Year's Eve noodle dish.
Other things to look out for during Shogatsu include the 'kadomatsu' (New Year's pine decorations) that adorn the entrances of houses and buildings, 'otoshidama', a custom of giving money to children, and 'Joya no Kane', the ringing of temple bells 108 times on New Year's Eve, representing the 108 human sins in Buddhist belief, driving away all evil spirits.
