New Years in Japan 1/1/04 Welcome!

One of the most important holidays is the celebration of the New Year which lasts for several days, usually starting on Dec. 28, going through January 6. The time before New Year's day is spent cleaning - getting ready for the next 12 months. Even the temples are cleaned. Traditional foods include soba noodles in the evening and the next day things such as shrimp, seaweed, eggs, pork, black beans and sticky rice cakes - all of which are considered to be good luck.

Before viewing - some things to know:

Omikuji: After offerings are made and prayers completed at the shrine, people receive their fortune. Often after opening and reading it, they often tie it to a branch of a tree near the shrine. Find your fortune.

Shimenawa This rope is made by twisting together strands of rice straw. It is a barrier to keep away those who do not belong. In the shrines, it indicates where people may not go. It is also believed to keep evil and sickness away, so on New Year's day is also hung over doorways on private homes.

Kadomatsu This traditional NewYear's ikebana consists of pine (long life), bamboo (strong, sturdy -prosperity), and plum branches (patiently withstands cold- constancy). Other things may be added, but these three hold the symbolism.

Guardian Dogs Originally kept only inside shrines, around the Edo period guardian dogs came to be installed at the approaches to buildings. Note the lion like appearance? That's because they were modeled after lions from India long, long, long ago.

Good luck charms Each year visitors to the shrines purchase good luck amulets or charms such as arrows. They are expected to last a year. Last year's can be deposited at the shrine where they will be burned.

Sake During this time those who like to drink are encouraged to have as much as they like of their favorite beverage.