1. Introduction
Japan is a country that is known for its rich culture and traditions. From the traditional art forms to the unique customs, Japan has something for everyone. The holidays in Japan are no exception, with many unique celebrations that bring people together from all walks of life. In this article, we will explore three of these holiday traditions: New Year, Obon Festival and Golden Week.
2. New Year Celebrations
The New Year is celebrated in Japan with great fanfare and enthusiasm. It is one of the most important holidays in Japan and it is celebrated on January 1st each year. On this day, families gather together to share a special meal called osechi ryori, which consists of several dishes that are considered auspicious for the coming year. After the meal, people visit local shrines to pray for good luck and fortune in the new year ahead. Other activities associated with this holiday include exchanging gifts and sending greeting cards to family and friends.
3. Obon Festival
Obon festival is an important Buddhist event celebrated throughout Japan in midsummer (usually around August). During this time, people honor their ancestors by visiting their graves or holding memorial services at home or at temples. They also enjoy traditional dances such as bon odori that are performed during Obon festivals across the country. Additionally, lanterns are lit up at night to guide ancestral spirits back home after their visit to Earth.
4. Golden Week
Golden Week is a week-long national holiday period that takes place from April 29th until May 5th each year in Japan. During this time, many businesses close down so that employees can take some time off for rest and relaxation before returning to work after the long break period between March and April (known as “shunbun”). During Golden Week, there are various events held across the country such as parades, fireworks displays and festivals celebrating different aspects of Japanese culture such as sumo wrestling or traditional arts like Noh theater or kabuki performances.
5. Bon Odori Festival
The Bon Odori festival is an annual celebration held during Obon season in mid-August throughout Japan where people perform traditional dances known as Bon Odori (or Bon Dance). This dance was originally used as a way to honor ancestors who had passed away but has since evolved into a festive event enjoyed by all members of society regardless of age or background. People dress up in yukata (summer kimonos) while they perform different styles of Bon Odori depending on region or even individual city/town preferences!
6 Star Festival (Tanabata)
The Star Festival (Tanabata) takes place on July 7th each year when two stars – Altair (the Cowherd star) and Vega (the Weaver star) – cross paths in the night sky according to legend from Chinese mythology.People celebrate Tanabata by writing wishes on strips of colorful paper called tanzaku which they then hang from bamboo branches decorated with paper streamers called shide.Families often gather together during Tanabata to write wishes for good health,happiness,success,etc., hoping that their wishes will come true!
7 Shichi-Go-San Festival
Shichi-Go-San festival celebrates children aged 3,5,and 7 years old respectively.On this day families dress up their children in traditional kimonos before visiting shrines where they offer prayers for good health and growth.This festival usually takes place on November 15th each year but may vary depending on region.Gifts such as candy or toys are often exchanged between family members during Shichi-Go-San celebrations!
8 Conclusion
Japan has many unique holiday traditions that make up its culture including New Year celebrations,Obon festival,Golden Week,Bon Odori festival,Star Festival (Tanabata) and Shichi-Go-San festival!Each one offers something special for those who take part in them whether it be honoring ancestors through prayer or simply enjoying some quality time with family!These three holiday traditions provide just a glimpse into what makes Japanese culture so fascinating!
9 Sources
https://www1jntojp/en/spot/traditionalevent/newyear_celebrationhtml https://www1jntojp/en/spot/traditionalevent/obonhtml https://www1jntojp/en/spot/traditionalevent/goldenweekhtml https://www1jntojp/en/spot/traditionaleventtanabatahtml https://www1jntojp/en/spotshichigosanfestivalhtml
What is Japan’s holiday traditions?
National holidays January 1 New Years Day Sea Day February 11 National Founding Day Respect for the Elderly March 21 Spring Equinox Day Autumn Equinox April 29 Holocaust Day Sports Day May Constitution Memorial Day Culture Day
What are 5 Christmas traditions?
We have many tried and true Christmas traditions in the United States: baking holiday cookies to decorate our Christmas tree and opening Christmas presents to name a few. Some of the more recent traditions include watching Christmas movies and looking after The Elf on the Shelf.
What is a popular Christmas tradition in Japan?
A Japanese Christmas tradition that will blow your mind here is eating KFC fried chicken. Roast chicken is a Christmas dinner tradition.
How many holidays Japan has?
16 public holidays
Japan currently has 16 public holidays each year. As you plan your travel itinerary, it is useful to know whenthese days fall and what exactly they celebrate.
Does Japan celebrate Halloween?
Halloween in Japan is mainly celebrated through street parties where people dress up in all kinds of fancy clothes and party until the wee hours of the morning. Parades and costume contests are also a favorite way for the Japanese to celebrate Halloween.
Does Japan celebrate Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is known in Japanese as Kinro Kansha no Hi which officially means Labor Day Thanksgiving. Unlike Thanksgiving in the United States which is celebrated on the third Thursday in November Thanksgiving always falls on or after November 23.
