Contrary to Christmas, New Year’s Eve is one of the most important japanese celebration.
Japan used to have the same calendar as China and the same day for New Year. Almost 150 years ago Japan changed for the gregorian calender, that’s why the Japanese New Year is the same as our.
In Japan, every year ends by tiddying up and cleaning up the house. This is some kind of purification of the house. Right after cleaning up, it is usual to decorate the front door of the house. Every affairs have to be ended before december, 31th. Everything as to be done to have a cheerful and optimistic New Year’s Eve.
Another custom to start the year in a good way is to go to the temple on January 1st. There is drunk the first sake of the year with medicinal herbs. This drink gives health for the whole year.
Just like in the West, New Year is time for greetings and visiting close friends and familly. Parents used to put a picture of the Seven Gods of Hapiness under there kids’ pillows. The good dreams of the kids are a sign of luck for the upcoming year.
Food is also important. Japanese people are used to prepare there food a little before New Year Eve and place it in a bento box! Classics of Japanese cuisine like miso soup, soja based food and fried rice are eaten for those festivities.
Yoi o-toshi o!