
Since next April I will be visitnig Japan, I am very curious about this country and its uses. Almost by chance I read the program of events of the Japanese American national Museum and the one listed for the 8th of January is the celebration of the New Year, or Oshogatsu.
(foto: http://www.wallcoo.net)
Un tempo l’inizio del nuovo anno era regolato sul calendario lunare (come fanno in Cina) ma dal 1873 è stato adottato il calendario gregoriano, di conseguenza adesso è celebrato il Primo Gennaio.
In questo periodo è importante essere con la famiglia, per cui i giapponesi viaggiano estensivamente per riunirsi coi propri cari. Da quello che ho letto, il costo dei trasporti viene addirittura triplicato e comunque se non si prenota per tempo si rischia di restare a terra.
Case e negozi vengono decorati con composizioni fatte con bambù e pino, piante che rappresentano forza e resilienza, Altro importante simbolo è l’arancia (daidai) che simboleggia il susseguirsi delle generazioni.
A while ago the beginning of the new year was based on the lunar calendar (as in China) but starting from 1873 the Gregorian calendar has been adopted, consequently it is now celebrated on the First of January.
In this period it is important to be with family, therefore Japanese people extensively travel in order to be reunited with their relatives. From what I read the cost of transport can even be tripled and anyway if you want to be sure to travel you have to make a timely reservation.
Houses and shops are decorated with composition made with pine and bamboo, plants that mean strength and resilience. Another important symbol is the orange (daidai) that represents the flow of generations.

Houses are thoroughly cleansed, ready for a new beginning. Exactly as we do for Easter: it must be a common instinctive and irrepressible need of renovation. On the 31st of December all activity stops, and no food is made. Traditionally foods that need no refrigeration and that last several days are prepared, called Osechi-ryori, there is an interesting article on Wikipedia (where I also got the picture).

There are several traditions, but the one that struck my curiosity is the Fukubukuro, from fuku=luck and bukuro= bag.
Practically you buy the bag without knowing what it contains, it is a surprise and among the various discounted good something really beautiful and expensive can be found. It is a way that shopkeepers use to get rid of unsold goods. It was invented at the beginning of the XX century by the Matsuya department stores, has a great diffusion in the whole of Japan and it seems that long lines form waiting for the opening of the shops.
(foto: http://japonismo.com)
Nel mio piccolo, una borsa l’ho preparata anche io, per una giovane amica ballerina vicina al mio cuore.
I too prepared a bag, for a young friend and dancer very close to my heart.

What a lovely thing you have to look forward to this year, travelling to Japan. I really like the sound of their traditions too, we have instinctively been decluttering in our home too making things feel refreshed and renewed. Your young friend is going to love her luck bag:) x
RispondiEliminaGrande programma, chissà che attesa!
RispondiEliminae non dimenticare o mochi! quelle deliziose palline di pasta morbida di riso. cosi difficili da inghiottire che ogni anno parecchie anziani muoiono( more than you wanted to know??)
RispondiEliminaAnd what a trip that will be! I really like the sound of the fukubukuro custom...love surprises!
RispondiEliminaWow, vai in Giappone? Fantastico, chissà che meraviglia.
RispondiEliminaCiao cara Blandina, buon anno, anche se in ritardo. ;)
What an interesting post, I enjoyed the links too, thank you. I was interested to see so much seafood in those meals to last several days, it's one food I wouldn't consider keeping for very long at all without refrigeration.
RispondiEliminaYour dancer is already lucky, having you as a friend!
RispondiEliminaI bet you are getting excited about your trip!
RispondiEliminaYour research on Japan is very interesting. I have been there 3 times and LOVE it.
lovely bag - makes me happy just to look at it. the Japanese arrangement of food is a treat for the eyes and they really go overboard for New Year.
RispondiEliminaLa borsa é molto bella, mi piace molto l'accostamento delle fantasie e dei colori e anche il modello. Le tradizioni del Giappone bellissime e sorprendenti. Buona domenica.
RispondiEliminaThe "luck bag" you made is beautiful! We have some Vietnamese heritage in our family, and so we celebrate the lunar new year. Have a wonderful trip, and thank you for visiting my blog today :)
RispondiElimina-Jaime
what an interesting post. thanks for sharing all that and good for you for doing research to get yourself ready for your trip to Japan!
RispondiEliminaI wish I were in Japan at the New Year season. Great and interesting post. We never seemed to learn everything about Japan. You will fell in love with the place like I do - Happy day.
RispondiEliminaLoved learning about these Japanese new year traditions. I love your interpretation for your lucky dancer.
RispondiEliminaI x
Fukubukuro che bella parola
RispondiElimina