What is Oshogatsu? | How to Spend It and Knowledge of New Year's Decorations
"Oshogatsu" (New Year's) is one of the most special and important events for Japanese people.
However, when asked, "What exactly is Oshogatsu?" or "Why do we display decorations and eat Osechi?", it might be surprisingly difficult to explain accurately.
Knowing the true meaning and origin of Oshogatsu will make your preparations for the new year more thoughtful.
This article comprehensively explains everything you need to know to welcome the New Year, from the "true meaning of Oshogatsu" and its "history" to "traditional ways of spending it," and even "types and proper knowledge of New Year's decorations."
We will also introduce stylish New Year's decorations from &YOUKAEN that suit modern living, so please read to the end.
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What is Oshogatsu?
First, let's answer the fundamental question: "What is Oshogatsu?" It holds a deeper meaning than simply "the start of the year."
What kind of event is Oshogatsu?
Oshogatsu is an event to welcome the "Toshigami-sama" (New Year's deity) into each home, who brings health and bountiful harvests for the new year.
Toshigami-sama is also said to be the spirit of our ancestors, and it has been believed that they descend from the mountains at the beginning of the new year to bestow happiness upon us.
In other words, the year-end cleaning, preparing New Year's decorations, and making Osechi Ryori (New Year's food offerings) are all important preparations to sincerely welcome and entertain Toshigami-sama.
How does it differ from New Year's in other countries?
For example, in many Christian countries, "New Year's" has a strong festive aspect, with families and friends celebrating with countdown parties.
In contrast, Japanese Oshogatsu is a "sacred event to welcome Toshigami-sama," and a major characteristic is spending it quietly with family and praying for a year of happiness.
What are the dates for Oshogatsu?
Generally, "Oshogatsu" often refers to "Ganjitsu" (January 1st), or "Sangadichi" (the first three days from January 1st to 3rd).
However, it also has a broader meaning, referring to the period until "Matsu no Uchi" (the period during which Toshigami-sama resides), which is generally until January 7th in the Kanto region and until January 15th in the Kansai region.
History of Oshogatsu
How did the custom of "welcoming Toshigami-sama" evolve into the present form of Oshogatsu?
Let's trace its history.
Event to welcome Toshigami-sama
The origin of Oshogatsu lies in ancient Japanese agricultural culture.
In times when rice cultivation was central to life, people had a belief in welcoming "Toshigami-sama," who were also the spirits of ancestors, at the beginning of the year to express gratitude for the harvest and pray for a bountiful crop in the coming year.
This was the prototype of Oshogatsu.
Linked with the Chinese calendar during the Nara and Heian periods
During the Nara and Heian periods, the concept of a calendar, including "Gantan" (the first day of the year) and "Sekku" (seasonal festivals), was introduced from China.
This combined with ancient Japanese beliefs, and rituals began to be held at the imperial court on Gantan, where the emperor worshipped the gods and received congratulations from his vassals.
Became a commoner's celebration from the Kamakura to Edo periods
After the Kamakura period, the custom of celebrating Oshogatsu spread among the samurai class.
During the Edo period, "Oshogatsu" became established as the biggest event of the year among commoners.
Many of the customs we still observe today, such as decorating with "Kadomatsu" and "Shimenawa" and eating Osechi Ryori, are said to have become common during this period.
Calendar change and modernization in the Meiji era
In the Meiji era, Japan adopted the Gregorian calendar, replacing the old lunar calendar. As a result, Oshogatsu was fixed on "January 1st."
In modern times: "Family," "Tradition," "Beginning of the Year"
In modern times, the religious significance of believing in Toshigami-sama may be fading.
However, "Oshogatsu" remains deeply rooted in Japanese culture as a "precious occasion for family and relatives to gather," an "opportunity to re-recognize traditional Japanese culture," and a "refreshing start to a new year."
Traditional Ways to Spend Oshogatsu
Oshogatsu involves a series of events, from welcoming Toshigami-sama to celebrating and seeing them off. Let's look at the typical ways to spend it.
How to spend Omisoka (December 31st)?
Omisoka is the day before Oshogatsu, so to speak, "New Year's Eve."
・Completion of Oosouji (Grand Cleaning): To welcome Toshigami-sama, dust and dirt are cleaned from the house.
・Toshikoshi Soba (Year-crossing Noodles): Eaten with the wish to "cut off the year's misfortunes" and "live a long and healthy life."
・Joya no Kane (New Year's Eve Bell): According to Buddhist teachings, there are 108 worldly desires, which are purged by the sound of the bell to welcome the New Year.
What to do on Gantan (January 1st)?
Gantan is the most important day when Toshigami-sama visits.
・Hatsuhinode (First Sunrise): The first sunrise of the New Year is worshipped as "the moment Toshigami-sama descends."
・Osechi Ryori and Ozoni: Originally offerings to Toshigami-sama. By sharing these leftovers with family, we receive the deity's power and pray for a year of good health.
・Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit): Visit a local shrine (ujigami-sama) or a large temple/shrine to offer New Year's greetings, express gratitude for the past year, and make new wishes.
What to do during Sangadichi (January 1st-3rd)?
・New Year's greetings: Exchange greetings such as "Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu" (Happy New Year) with family, relatives, and neighbors.
・Otoshidama (New Year's Money Gift): Originally, it started with dividing rice cakes (otoshidama) received from Toshigami-sama, and it signifies sharing New Year's blessings with children.
・Kakizome (First Calligraphy of the Year): Write New Year's aspirations and goals with a brush.
What kinds of New Year's decorations are there?
Preparing New Year's decorations is the most important thing when welcoming the New Year.
This is because they are all tools for entertaining "Toshigami-sama."
From a florist's perspective, I will explain their meanings and roles in detail.
1. Kadomatsu
・Role: A "landmark (yorishiro)" for Toshigami-sama to find their way to your home without getting lost. They are placed in pairs at the gate or entrance of the house.
・Characteristics: Composed of auspicious plants.
Pine (Matsu)…… Evergreen and green all year round, symbolizing "longevity and eternal youth."
Bamboo (Take)…… Grows quickly and straight, symbolizing "vitality and prosperity."
Plum (Ume)…… Blooms ahead of other flowers in the cold, symbolizing "nobility and good fortune."
2. Shimenawa and Shimekazari
・Role: A sacred rope (boundary) indicating a "sacred place" to welcome the gods. It also has the meaning of warding off evil spirits, preventing impurities from entering.
・Characteristics: Made by braiding rice straw, combined with auspicious items.
Urajiro (fern)…… Its leaves are white on the underside, symbolizing "purity and integrity."
Yuzuriha (daphniphyllum)…… New leaves emerge as old ones fall, symbolizing "prosperity of descendants."
Daida (bitter orange)…… Its fruit does not fall from the tree but grows larger, symbolizing "prosperity of the family for generations."
3. Kagami Mochi
・Role: An offering to Toshigami-sama and a place where the deity's power resides (yorishiro).
・Characteristics: The two-tiered mochi symbolizes "harmony" and "piling up of good fortune." The daidai (bitter orange) placed on top, as mentioned earlier, expresses the wish for "family prosperity for generations."
4. Hamaya (Evil-breaking Arrow)
An arrow-shaped amulet received during Hatsumode and other occasions. As an "arrow that breaks evil," it has the meaning of warding off evil and misfortune for the year.
5. Hagoita (Battledore)
The hagoita used in hanetsuki (battledore and shuttlecock) is displayed as a charm (yakuyoke) to pray for the good health of girls.
When to display and remove New Year's decorations?
Now that you understand the meaning of New Year's decorations, the next important thing is "when to display them."
There are auspicious and inauspicious days, so please keep them in mind.
The best day to display is December 28th!
New Year's decorations are generally displayed after Christmas on the 25th, at the time the grand cleaning is finished.
Especially "December 28th" is recommended. Since "eight" is considered auspicious for its spreading shape, displaying them on this day is considered best.
Make sure to finish decorating by the 30th at the latest.
Avoid decorating on the 29th (suffering) and 31st (one-night decoration).
Conversely, there are two days you should avoid decorating on.
・December 29th: It is considered inauspicious because it connects to "nijuku" (double suffering) or "ku" (suffering).
・December 31st: Decorating on New Year's Eve is called "ichiya-kazari" (one-night decoration). This is considered rude to Toshigami-sama, as it is similar to preparing for a funeral (for one night only).
Remove them after Matsu no Uchi
New Year's decorations are taken down after "Matsu no Uchi" (the period during which Toshigami-sama resides) ends.
This Matsu no Uchi varies by region, usually until January 7th in Kanto and January 15th (Koshogatsu) in Kansai.
The polite way to dispose of the decorations is to have them ceremonially burned at a "Dondo-yaki (Sagicho)" event held at shrines, with gratitude.
&YOUKAEN sells stylish New Year's decorations
Many people may think, "I want to cherish the meaning and traditions of New Year's, but I can't put large Kadomatsu or Shimenawa in my modern home."
&YOUKAEN, while valuing the traditional meaning of welcoming Toshigami-sama, offers stylish New Year's decorations that fit neatly into modern apartments and entrances.
"Michi" - A Flower Bouquet for an Auspicious New Year, Ready to Display
We especially recommend this New Year's limited-edition bouquet.
This bouquet, perfect for welcoming the New Year, features modern-colored mums, nandina, litsea cubeba, and curly willow, all auspicious flowers.
Though compact, its stylish design instantly brightens any room.
It comes beautifully arranged and ready to display immediately, even without a vase.
Even elements like curly willow, branches, and berries, which can sometimes be tricky to handle, can be effortlessly placed in your room as they are.
Of course, it can also be arranged in your own vase, so you can send it with confidence.
"Michi" - A Flower Bouquet for an Auspicious New Year, Ready to Display
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Summary
We hope you now understand the deep meaning, history, and ways of celebrating "Oshogatsu."
1. "Oshogatsu" is a traditional and important Japanese event for welcoming "Toshigami-sama," who brings health and happiness for the new year.
2. "Oshogatsu decorations (Kadomatsu, Shimenawa, etc.)" serve as important "markers" and "sacred boundaries" for welcoming Toshigami-sama.
3. The best day to display them is "December 28th." Avoid "December 29th (suffering)" and "December 31st (one-night decoration)."
By understanding the meaning of Oshogatsu and preparing with care, the New Year is sure to be wonderful. Welcome a bright New Year with the stylish Oshogatsu decorations from &YOUKAEN.
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