| Have you ever wondered about... |
Japanese New Year Symbolism? |
Japanese-English Dictionary of Japanese Culture, by Setsuko Kojima and Gene A. Crane, 1987,
Heian International Publishing Company, Torrance CA
Matsuri: Festival, Nancy K. Araki and Jane M. Horii, 1978, Heian International Publishing Company, Torrance CA
We Japanese, by Frederic de Garis and Atsuharu Sakai,
Books I, II, and III combined, 2002, Kegan Paul Limited, England
By Emy Murakawa
In a previous installment of the Cultural Corner, we talked about one of our most important New Year’s observances – the making and eating of mochi. But mochi is just the tip of the iceberg. Dai-dai, kobu/konbu, kaki, mame, and kazunoko were also introduced. This became fodder for more thought about Japanese New Year (Oshōgatsu, literally, new month) and the many related foods and traditions, each rich in symbolism and significance.
Here’s an abbreviated glossary of some of the things that came to mind.
Dai-dai – Citrus fruits like an orange. Originally, this was something called a bigard orange, but the mikan, or mandarin orange, is now most commonly used. Dai-dai means generation to generation and is meant to signify that the family will prosper.
Ebi or Ise-ebi – Shrimp or lobster is a symbol of longevity. Supposedly the saying is, “Despite a heavy burden to bend your back like a shrimp, you will have a long life.”
Hoshigaki – Dried persimmons are a symbol for good health. Supposedly the saying is, “Even though you are old and wrinkled (like a dried persimmon), you will still be healthy.”
Kazunoko - Herring roe, literally, many children, is represented by “Shisson Han Ei,” continuing the family line and heritage.
Kobumaki – Seaweed roll with dried baby fish is representative of happiness, from the word yorokobu, to be happy.
Kuromame – Black beans. “Mame mame shiku” means work hard until tanned dark.
Namasu – Raw seasoned daikon and carrot. White and red represent happy congratulations. Daikon signifies that the family will have a good foundation (roots).
Osechi-ryori – Literally, osechi-ryōri is food for seasonal festive occasions, which was also the original meaning, but which are now special dishes specifically for the New Year. These are the special foods artistically arranged in the stacked, layered boxes called jūbako. (See separate Cultural Corner piece on osechi-ryori.)
Otoso – A sweet saké (mirin) flavored with Japanese spices and seasonings, it is thought to possess a preventative power against sickness in general. “Enmeichoju,” Long life, long happiness. The order of drinking is from the youngest to oldest, to pass on youthful energy.
Renkon – Water Lily (Lotus) Root. “Ana ga aite iru tokoro kara saki ga mieru” means good foresight; or more literally, you can see the future from where the holes are.
Sato Imo – Taro root. Good leadership to rise above your peers.
Toshikoshi soba – Buckwheat noodles usually eaten on New Year’s Eve. Soba is a homophone for “close” in Japanese, which I always thought meant to keep the family close, but some of the literature I’ve read gives it a much simpler and literal meaning – the New Year is close.
Other New Year’s Traditions
Bōnenkai – This is one of the traditions observed to start the New Year with a clean slate and is actually a year-end party. In Japan, it is customary to clear everything up from the old year before the beginning of the new – clearing debts, cooking, cleaning, and extending expressions of regret, and, as in the case of oseibo, appreciation. The bōnenkai is held by businesses, clubs, and other groups to promote good-will and to correct past differences and misunderstandings so that a fresh start can be made at the New Year.
Joya no kane – Literally, the end of the year bell. This is a Buddhist custom. As it nears midnight on New Year’s Eve, the joya no kane tolls 108 times. The 108 tolls represent the leaving behind of 108 worldly concerns of the past year. The last toll is to be exactly at midnight, which rings in the New Year (reminding me of the Times Square countdown!).
Kadomatsu – Literally, gate pine, was originally made only of pine branches on either side of the entrance, one with smooth bark (denoting the female) and the other with rough bark (denoting the male), and symbolized longevity. Later, bamboo stalks and/or plum tree branches were added, symbolizing constancy and purity, respectively. Today, any one or combination of two or all three is used.
Oseibo – Like bōnenkai, this is more a year-end tradition than an actual New Year’s one. Oseibo is a year-end gift to show gratitude and appreciation for past favors or kindnesses.
Otoshidama – Usually a monetary gift given to children, or in some cases, to junior employees from employers, at the New Year. Originally, the offerings at shrines and temples were distributed among worshippers as a token of blessing for the new year. Later, the custom was to exchange gifts among nobles and warriors, and to distribute rice cakes among the commoners.
Shimekazari – Composed of sacred straw tassels, from the Shinto religion, it is hung at the entrance to the home as a symbol of purification.