For Japan, the New Year isn’t just a celebration, it is a fresh start. Despite sharing the same date of celebration, January 1st, Shogatsu is particularly contrary to the boisterous celebrations, parties, and countdowns of Western New Year’s eve. Instead, Shogatsu, through purification, and ritual, has an emphasis on renewal, family bonds and quality time, and gratitude towards the kami which are their gods, and spirits. Rooted in Shinto beliefs, and imperial customs, this national holiday spans from December 29th to January 3rd, in which civilians use this time to rush to their families as their past year is intentionally closed.
Preparations start weeks prior with “ōsōji”, or the “great cleaning”. Homes, and temples are swept until they are spotless enough to see your own reflection, which is symbolism for sweeping the past year’s misfortunes, debts are settled, festive pine branch arrangements are set up which are supposed to symbolize longevity, and are placed at entrances to welcome deities.
Then comes “ōmisoka”, or the “New Years Eve”, where families are juggling anticipation as they make their way to their local temples for “jōya na kane”, which is their version of a New Year’s ball drop, though with far greater meaning. Jōya Na Kane is the ringing of massive bells 108 times at midnight, with each toll banishing one human temptation, ranging from greed to ignorance.
January 1st marks “hatsumōde”, or the first shrine visit. Worshippers, and pilgrims dressed up in traditional attire gather up in iconic spots such as Meiji Jingu, or Fushimi Inari to toss coins, clap prayers, and draw omikuji fortunes. The day after calls for “otoshidama” wherein children are thrilled as they receive red envelopes from elders, and family visit graves, followed by competitive, yet harmless card games.
This hasn’t always been the case for Japan however. Differing from its Asian siblings, they follow the Gregorian calendar instead of the Lunar calendar which would have them celebrate the Lunar New Year instead, but why? For centuries, dating way back to 604 CE, Japan followed the Lunar calendar introduced by China through the Korean hemisphere, however, in 1873, the Meiji restoration occurred. Akin to what Shogatsu stands for, the Meiji government had also hit the reset button in 1873. These leaders, with high stakes upon their shoulders, rewired everything the nation was accustomed to in an attempt to modernize itself to align economically, administratively, politically, and diplomatically with the traditions of those times. This shift towards Westernization aimed to stimulate international trade, as well as prevent colonization, a trend that was significantly prominent during those years.
Yet despite this Westernization, Japan stays true to itself, and its values. Its individuality lies in its balance. Amid the fireworks rocketing all over the world, Japan fosters mindfulness through its whispers where true celebration comes from honoring ancestors, enduring rituals, communal celebrations.