Celebrating Shogatsu: A Japanese New Year
In Japan, the celebration of New Year - known as Shōgatsu 正月 - is considered to be the most significant national day of the year. Acknowledged as a time to honour and practise traditional customs, this prominent event in the Japanese calendar is also a time to express gratitude for the success of the year just gone by, and to ensure health and prosperity for the next one.
Alike to typical Christmas traditions, New Year in Japan also encourages many to decorate their homes in the honour of past customs - to welcome in good luck and the arrival of New Year gods. Typically placed at the entrance of the house, usually on a door or porch area, decorations such as shimekazari (see image below) are hung to keep bad omens away.
Made from traditional materials seen in Japanese culture, such as rope and rice straws which adorn shrines, these beautiful decorations also encompass seasonal flora such as sprigs of holly - that denote to more seasoned, modern decorations we are used to at this time of year.
Just as we set resolutions and goals, households in Japan traditionally clean their homes and themes of ensuring health, happiness and prosperity in the year ahead are shared throughout households. Much like a more western ‘Christmas holidays’, people take a week off work to see friends and relatives, enjoy seasonal cuisine and have an opportunity to relax with loved ones. New Year's Eve, known as ōmisoka, is a day that allows many to set intensions for the year ahead, ensure that they are starting on the right foot for the coming New Year.
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