My favorite Japanese holiday is New Years Day. In Japan, it is called "Oshogatu". On the day, we celebrate new year. Before the day, we decorate the gate with the New Year's pine branches and three bamboos, a round rice cake offered to the gods at New Year's and so on. When the day change The New Year, we can hear sounds of Joya's bell then. This sounds are interesting.
In my new years day, first, I listen to sounds of Joya's bell. Next, I and my family visit shrine near my house and pray. Then, we draw omikuji which like fortune-telling by drawing lots. After that, we eat osechi and ozouni. Osechi is the special dishes served on the first three days of the New Year. For example, "kuromame", "kazunoko", "kamaboko", "kurikimtom", "kombu" and so on. Ozouni is a soup which is put mochi in. They are taste good. Next, we visit my ancestors' grave. It is very important thing for my family. Finally, we gather with my relatives and spend together. At that time, we have a meal and take a hot spring and so on. I can always relax on this day. So I like this time.
Wow, I wish I could go to a hot spring for New Years. I went to a hot spring in Hakone and I really like it. ^_^
ReplyDelete~Kristen