Japanese New year

Japanese new year is the oldest occasions, celebrated for centuries. It is one of the important annual festivals that enlighten its own unique customs and traditions. Japanese new year is an important holiday when most businesses shut down from January 1 to January 3 to celebrate the beginning of a new year with family and friends.

New year in japan is much likely of a family feats and the welcome of the new year is done by making a get together at home with a combination of food and religious activities together. In Japan, the official holiday is announced for first three days of January in which families use this time to visit the graves of their ancestors.

There are many traditions and rituals practiced since ancient times but one of the most important and special ones is the ringing of bells 108 times all over Japan Buddhist temples at midnight on new years. According to the Japanese belief, the ringing of the bells 108 times relives people's 108 worldly desires and helps in removing human sins.

Many families sit back at their homes and watch live new year events and live broadcasting of various temples throughout Japan ringing their bells from midnight. Other TV special are also broadcasted live for people to see and enjoy at their homes, having a great time together with family, cheering up drinks and enjoying the delicious meals prepared by the elders.

New Years Eve in Japan

New years eve in Japan is a time to relax and enjoy family feasts including symbolic dishes and drinks for Japanese. When it comes to Japanese food, every dish has its own unique symbolic meaning. On new years eve in Japan, different types of dishes are prepared at home to ensure that the traditions and the fun both is practiced and combined to give out a festive feel.

Herring roe is a dish that is eaten to ensure fertility. Black, sweetened soybeans guarantee health and strength in the new year ahead. Rice cake symbolizes prosperity.

According to the ancient traditions, the new years eve is eaten at eight in the morning and is one of the most highly ritualized feasts in the world. People decorate their houses with beautiful colorful lightning and other decorative items to bring out the festive mood all over Japan. Although fireworks are burst but the occasion is pretty eventful and celebrated with great traditional activities. The Shinto shrine is the most visited place by Japanese to show their adherence to their deepest roots. People throw lucky coins from long distances away and buy slips of paper that predict the fortunes known as omikuji'. These slips are then tied to the tree branches so that they are fulfilled.