Japan is a country of contrasts, a country where advanced technologies coexist peacefully with rich history and many religions. Here, in huge cities and small villages, hundreds of different holidays are celebrated, each of which has its own historical or folklore basis. The celebration is almost always accompanied by a fun and loud festival, which can last for several days.
From the countless number of such holidays, I tried to select a few of the most famous, fun and noisy ones.
This holiday takes place from February 5 to 11. This is an annual festival that lasts for a week. The Sapporo Festival is one of the most famous events in Japan.
It has been celebrated every year since 1950. Back then, schoolchildren built several snow statues in Odori Park. It so happened that these statues marked the beginning of a grandiose holiday, which attracts people from all over the world.
Besides the ice statues, there are other ways to have fun here. Fortunately, the festival organizers do not forget about why people came here.
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The Kamakura Festival is held annually on February 15 and 16 in the city of Yokoto. The main feature of the holiday is the unique igloo-like houses. They are being built all over the city, wherever possible.
Each Kamakura (Japanese igloo) has a small altar that is dedicated to the god of water. According to custom, children invite tourists to their personal Kamakura, offer them rice cakes and special wine that contains almost no alcohol, and in exchange for hospitality, guests leave offerings to the deity.
Another unique holiday tradition is the small Kamakuras that are built along the Yokote River. Hundreds of small buildings, the size of a lantern, shield the altar fire from the wind.
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Omizutori is the name of a series of holidays, festivals and other events held annually from March 1 to 14 at Todaiji Shrine.
Buddhist rituals have been performed here for over 1,250 years. This is one of the oldest and most spectacular festivals in Japan.
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Aoi Matsuri is one of the most famous festivals in Kyoto, it is held once a year on May 15th. The main event of the festival is a large parade, in which more than 500 people take part. More than 1000 years ago, along the road along which the parade is held, the Emperors passed from the palace to the shrines.
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The famous festival in Tokyo takes place in mid-May, every odd-numbered year, alternating with Matsuri Sanno. The festival offers residents and visitors alike a huge number of events that take place throughout the week.
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Sanya Matsuri is an annual festival attended by more than 2 million people. It is held on the 3rd weekend of May, near Asakusa. Its special feature is about 100 small deities that are carried through the streets of the city accompanied by music and general fun.
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One of the most interesting festivals in Japan, it is held in the first half of July and reaches the peak of fun in the afternoon, on the 15th of the same month. Residents of the city carry magnificent floats for 15 kilometers along the city streets.
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Gion Matsuri The most famous and one of the longest festivals. It takes place in July throughout the month. But two dates are special: the parade on the 17th and the festive evening preceding it.
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This festival takes place in the city of Osaka and its history dates back to the 10th century AD. It takes place on July 24-25 every year. During the celebration, especially on the second day, music and fireworks explode throughout the city.
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A large summer festival held in cities in Aomori Prefecture every year from August 2 to 7. The highlight of the festival is the daily parade with music and dancers. Local teams build platforms whole year to show them during the festival.
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The Kanto Matsuri or Lantern Festival is held in Akita City every year from August 3 to 6. At the festival, city teams show their skills in building paper lanterns. Giant sails of dozens of lanterns are launched into the sky to the sound of music.
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Festival from the city of Tokushima. This is Japan's most famous dance festival. It is held in mid-August (from the 12th to the 15th). Thousands of dancers gather here to show off their skills.
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This is a large and noisy festival of the Suwa temple, which is held annually from October 7 to 9. The festival has existed for more than 370 years and includes a piece of Dutch culture, which played an important role in the development of the city.
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An annual festival that takes place on October 22, the anniversary of the founding of Kyoto. The main event of the holiday is a large parade, which begins from the emperor's palace. Its name translates as “Festival of the Ages”, it received this name because more than 2000 participants represent all periods of Japanese history in 2 hours.
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This is a festival of the Chichibu Shrine in the city of the same name, which is located in Saitama Prefecture, just 90 minutes from Tokyo by car. It takes place on December 2 and 3. Here you can see a traditional parade and a magnificent fireworks display.
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One of Japan's strangest festivals takes place every year on April 7th. Thanks to its unusualness, it attracts thousands of tourists. Here you can see countless phalluses of all shapes and sizes. Unbridled fun does not leave residents and guests of the city all day long.
'Tis the season for the sounds of taiko, evening food stalls, yukata and games of goldfish: Yes, it's matsuri time!
Summer in Japan brings a lot of creative things to do to help you brave the hot weather - watermelon and soda, kakigori, matcha, dancing and yukata are a few of them. But there is only one place where you can enjoy them in true Japanese style - the summer matsuri night that beckons tourists who decide to go on holiday to Japan in June, July or August.
While there are many unique festivals across the country, here are our top ten festivals in Tokyo and other parts of Japan! Stop waiting, it's time to buy a tour to Japan and plunge into the Matsuri spirit!
1. Fireworks Festival on the Sumida River (Tokyo)
Rumor has it that the first festival took place in 1733. The Sumida River Fireworks Festival is one of the most popular (and crowded) summer festivals in Tokyo. With a history of nearly four centuries, it survived the Meiji Restoration and continued to be held until the world wars. The festival was reinstated in 1977 and celebrated its 40th anniversary in its current form in 2017. Visitors will see a spectacular display of 22,000 fireworks, but be prepared - almost a million people attended the event last year, so expect large crowds!
Where: Sumida River, Sumida-ku, Tokyo;
How to get there: the nearest station to the 1st venue: Asakusa or Honjo-Azumabashi, the closest station to the 2nd venue: Kuramae or Ryugoku.
2. Shinjuku Eisa Matsuri (Tokyo)
Born on the island of chinsuko and brown sugar, Okinawa's dance and music culture has always been distinct from that of the mainland, and Eisa Matsuri was no exception. Traditional costumes, drums and dances will look and sound different. The origin of the name is unknown, but there is a theory that it came from an exclamation used in original song Eisa - "ensaa". This year will mark the event's 44th anniversary, and organizers expect close to a million people to join in the fun!
Where: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo;
How to get there: Shinjuku Station West Exit.
3. Fukagawa Matsuri (Tokyo)
The Fukagawa Festival, officially known as the Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri, is one of the three great festivals of Edo along with the Kanda Matsuri and the Sanno Matsuri. The Fukagawa Festival is held at the ancient Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine in the Koto district. Since 1642, the festival has featured a procession of mikoshi (portable shrines) where 120 mikoshi are paraded through local streets while spectators splash water on the participants.
Where: Tomioka Hachimangu, 1-20-3 Tomioka, Koto-ku, Tokyo;
How to get there: Monzen-nakacho station, exit 1.
4. Azabu-Juban Matsuri
This festival is officially known as Azabu-Juban Norio Matsuri. "Norio" is translated as "summer nights" according to many dictionaries, but upon closer examination, the more accurate definition is: "to avoid the heat and find coolness." 300 thousand participants of this “trend” festival (most of whom are young people) gather here for the sole purpose of overeating. The stalls sell regional dishes from all over Japan, from north island Hokkaido to southern Okinawa. Bon Dance in the evening is also a must-see event for travelers planning summer rest in Japan.
Where: Minato-ku, Tokyo, Azabu-Juban shopping area;
How to get there: Azabu-Juban station, exit 4.
5. Koenji Awa Odori (Tokyo)
Originating in Tokyo approximately 56 years ago, the festival is now considered one of Tokyo's largest and most famous summer events of its kind. 10 thousand dancers parade through the streets of Koenji, thanks to which the small area manages to attract about a million visitors every year. It is crowded, but the experience of such unbridled fun is priceless!
Where: Sugunami-ku, Tokyo, Koenjiminami 2nd, 3rd and 4th chome, Koenjikita 2nd and 3rd chome
How to get there: Koenji Station.
6. Soma Nomaoi (Fukushima)
Known for its horse breeding, the Soma region in Fukushima Prefecture hosts the annual 1000-year-old Soma Namaoi Festival. It is organized by three different shrines in the area - Ota, Odaka and Nakamura. The highlight of this festival is the recreation of a battle scene from the turbulent Sengoku period in Japan. Clad in heavy armor and wielding katana swords, several hundred samurai horsemen engage in battle to capture the 40 sacred flags.
Where: Nomaoi Gyuretsu and Hibarigahara Field, Soma, Fukushima;
How to get there: JR Haranomachi Station.
7. Aomori Nebuta Matsuri (Aomori)
The Aomori Nebuta Matsuri, or simply Aomori Nebuta, is one of the three largest festivals in the Tohoku region. The word "nebuta" refers to giant paper platforms made in the shape of terrible warriors. According to legend, the commander Sakanoue no Tamuramaro placed giant lanterns depicting warriors and monsters on the top of the hills to frighten the enemy army. Nowadays, at festivals, dancers wear a unique outfit (which can be described as a kimono with a fruit basket as a headdress) called "haneto" and invoke "rassera" by performing wild dances around the floats. One of the largest in the country, this matsuri should be included in the list of must-see festivals for travelers purchasing tours to Japan in the summer.
When: August 2-7, 2017, 19:10-21:00 (August 2-6), 13:00-15:00 and 19:15-21:00 (August 7);
Where: Aomori City Hall;
How to get there: JR Aomori Station.
8. Sendai Tanabata Matsuri (Miyagi)
Tanabata, literally meaning "evening of the seventh", originates from the Chinese festival of Qixi, which celebrates the annual meeting of a young shepherd and a weaver maiden, known in Japan as Orihime and Hikoboshi. While Tanabata holidays are celebrated throughout Japan, the Sendai Tanabata festival is the most popular, with nearly two million tourists flocking to see the thousands of wish cards decorating the bamboo trees. This is a breathtaking sight and a great opportunity to spend a bright and eventful holiday in Japan!
When: August 6-8, 2017, 10:00-22:00 (August 6-7), 10:00-21:00 (August 8). Fireworks August 5, 2017 19:00-20:30;
Where: Kotodai Park (Central Sendai and nearby shopping areas);
How to get there: JR Sendai Station.
9. Kyoto Gozan Okuribi (Kyoto)
Gozan no Okuribi (literally "five mountain farewell lights"), or better known in Kyoto as Daimonji, is the summer equivalent of Halloween. During the festival, families in Japan prepare their homes to welcome the spirits of their ancestors, and on the third day, giant ritual bonfires are lit around the city of Kyoto in the shape of the five Chinese characters - Daimonji ("big" or "great"), Muo-Ho ("wonderful") dharma", referring to Buddhist teachings), Funagata ("boat shape"), Hidari Daimonji ("large left") and Toriigata ("shrine gate shape"). A trip to Japan in the summer should include a visit to this spectacular event, which attracts millions of tourists every year.
Where: Central Kyoto, panoramic views from Funaokayama Park;
Popular places: Daimonji: along the eastern bank of the Kamo River (Marutamachi Bridge - Misono Bridge); Moo Ho: near Notre Dame Women's College; Funagata: Near Kitayama Station (northwest of Kitayama Bridge); Hidari Daimonji: Near Nishioji Station (Saiin Station - Kinkaku-ji Temple); Toriigata: Saga Arashiyama area.
10. Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri (Osaka)
The Kishiwada Danjiri Festival first took place in 1703, when the daimyo (feudal lord) of Kishiwada Castle, Okabe Nagayasu, prayed to the Shinto gods for a bountiful harvest. Today the festival has a reputation as Osaka's wildest and most daring event. Local boys try to prove their mettle and bravery by dancing on the roofs of 35 floats known as "danjiri" that parade through the streets. All platforms are expertly designed, hand assembled and weigh over 3000kg. The most exciting part of the hyper parade is when the floats move at a 90 degree angle.
Where: Near Kishiwada Station, Kishiwada City, Osaka Prefecture;
How to get there: Kishiwada Station.
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Most of the Japanese archipelago is located in a climate zone characterized by a pronounced division of seasons. Numerous festivals associated with the changing seasons will make traveling around the country truly unforgettable. Festivals take place almost every day in some part of the country throughout the year. Below are just the main festivals and holidays in Japan, the full list of which is simply endless.
Spring is the time of plum and sakura blossoms
From the first days of March, when plum trees begin to bloom, to the end of May, when the last cherry blossom petals fall in the northern regions, spring awakens the natural world and delights people. Spring in Japan literally means the time of flowering, when you can see all the magnificent variety of shapes and types of flowers. Camellia, iris, lotus and mustard bloom especially luxuriantly. Numerous flower festivals are held everywhere.
Summer is a time for fun in nature
Summer is the rice planting season and the time when the whole country is covered in green. The green leaves of the cherry, maple, oak and chestnut trees in the mountain forests contrast with the dark colors of the evergreen pines and the delicate shoots of bamboo barely emerging from the ground.
Summer is fireworks season. Almost every evening throughout Japan, vibrant fireworks displays colorfully illuminate the night sky.
In the summer, large-scale spectacular festivals are held in every corner of the country, many with colorful folk dance accompaniment. Dances such as Bon Odori are a wonderful way to entertain and relax local residents, their friends and guests.
Autumn is the time of withering leaves and harvesting
If summer in many parts of the country lasts until September, then already in October in most regions of Japan you can enjoy the invigorating coolness of autumn days. Autumn in Japan brings with it a kaleidoscopic change in foliage color, whose bright shades from crimson and gold to bronze and yellow, they paint the hills and mountains in multi-colored carpets. The harvest season is coming. In rural areas, rice fields are golden. Sheaves of grain will soon be collected in stacks or hung on poles for subsequent drying and processing. Autumn in Japan is also a time of numerous festivals, sports and cultural events held throughout the country.
Winter is the season for snow fun.
Winter in Japan, with the exception of its northern part, is not very severe. Sunny days and blue skies are common. In the northern regions, various festivals dedicated to snow and ice are held. Tourists, as well as local residents, admire the huge snow and ice sculptures and participate in local holidays and rituals. Numerous festivals and fairs are held throughout the country on the eve of the New Year.
There are currently 14 public holidays (weekends) in Japan and many more traditional, religious and local holidays and festivals. Some of them arose quite recently, some have been celebrated for a thousand years.
Note that it is not customary to congratulate most holidays in Japan - they are simply celebrated. Japanese people usually congratulate each other on important events in life - happy birthday, enrollment in high school, admission to college, the birth of a child.
It is customary to give gifts on all “personal” occasions. Gifts are also given at the end of the year ( oseibo) and in the middle of summer, during the Bon holiday ( otyugen). Usually, various useful things are given as gifts: soap, towels, food, alcohol, exotic fruits. At the same time, it is not customary to make a gift too “personal”, indicating both excellent knowledge of the life of the recipient and the personality of the donor.
What is most valued is not the gift itself, but its appearance- beautiful packaging. Gifts are never unwrapped in the presence of the giver, so as not to inadvertently offend him. It is also not customary to refuse gifts.
January
1st of January - New Year (Ganjitsu), Public Holiday and one of the most lavish celebrations of the entire year. The celebration continues from December 30 to January 3. On New Year's night a prayer is held Hatsu-mode, during which people pray for happiness in the coming year. Japanese people exchange greeting cards and give each other gifts.
No one usually sleeps on the night of January 1st, so the first sleep of the new year falls on January 2nd. Hatsu-yume(“the first dream of the year”) is considered prophetic and is seen as a fortune-telling for the entire year. The most best dreams- Mount Fuji or wealth.
A two-day marathon relay is held on January 2 and 3 "Ekiden"(the name comes from an ancient courier communication system) between the cities of Tokyo and Hakone (round trip - 216.4 km, divided into 10 stages). It has been held since 1917 in honor of the move of the imperial court from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1867 and is one of major events sports life in Japan.
On January 7, Japanese families prepare rice porridge with the “seven spring herbs” ( Haru no Nanakusa). The composition of these herbs depends on the area. It is believed that this porridge fills the body with strength for the whole year.
On January 11, the Japanese break up the dried decorative rice balls left over from the New Year - mochi(ritual Kagami-biraki). Usually two such koloboks are kept in the family altar during all holidays. From their remains they make soup and eat it, dedicating the meal to the deities. It is important to break the bun, and not to cut it (this would be a bad sign).
On the second Monday of January (until 2000 - January 15) Coming of Age Day is celebrated ( Seijin no hi). This is a public holiday for everyone who turned 20 in the past year. From this age, Japanese people have the legal right to vote, smoke and drink alcohol. Until 1876, adulthood was 15 for boys and 13 for girls.
Throughout January, Japanese people worship and pray to the Seven Gods of Fortune.
February
February 3 or 4 is celebrated Setsubun(New Year's Eve according to the old calendar). On the night of Setsubun, a ceremony is held in houses Mame-maki("throwing beans"). Children fill cups with beans and scatter them around the rooms, reciting spells to scare away demons - They. At the end of the ceremony, everyone eats as many beans as they are old. This ritual drives away demons and guarantees health throughout the year.
Chinese New Year is celebrated on February 4th or 5th Rissyun- The beginning of spring. From this day on, field work begins in Japan.
February 11 is a public holiday, Day of the Foundation of the State ( Kigen-setsu). It was established in 1873 to commemorate the coronation of Emperor Jimmu. The holiday was canceled after World War II and restored in 1966.
February 14 is Valentine's Day. In Japan, on this day, girls and women give chocolates to their lovers. honmei, and chocolates to your friends and colleagues - weights. The type of chocolate is written on the greeting card. This holiday has been celebrated with chocolate since 1958.
March
March 3 - Puppet Festival ( Hina Matsuri). This is a holiday for little girls. On this day, small exhibitions of dolls dressed in Heian period clothing are held in homes. If these dolls are not removed after the end of the holiday, then the daughters will not get married for a long time. Dolls are usually either hidden in a closet or thrown into the river and they pray that the dolls will bear all the troubles that may befall the girls.
March 14 - White Day. On this day, men give women white chocolate as a thank you for their Valentine's Day gifts. The holiday has been celebrated since 1965.
March 20 or 21 - Day spring equinox (Shumbun no hi). The weekly period starting three days before the vernal equinox is called Higan. At this time, the Japanese visit the graves of their ancestors. From this day on, sakura begins to bloom in southern Japan.
Major Japanese children's animation festivals begin in March.
April
April 8 - Buddha's Birthday ( Kambutsu-e) or Flower Festival ( Hana matsuri). This is a Buddhist holiday, on this day Buddhist temples are decorated with flowers, and special flower tea is distributed to parishioners. amatya. It is believed to have magical powers; various amulets are written with it. This tea is also poured on Buddha statues. According to legend, immediately after birth, nine heavenly dragons sprinkled water on the baby’s head. This legend is reproduced by the ritual. Flowers symbolize the garden Lumbini, in which the Enlightened One was born.
April 29 - Green Day ( Midori no hi). This is a national holiday of love for nature. Until 1988, it was celebrated as the Emperor's Birthday Showa. After the emperor's death in 1989, it was renamed Green Day because the late emperor was very fond of nature. On this day, trees are planted throughout Japan. The Golden Week holidays begin on April 29.
Throughout March, April and May, the Japanese organize hanami- admiring the cherry blossoms. To do this, they usually go out of town for picnics.
May
From April 29 to May 5, a week of public holidays under the general name “Golden Week” takes place in Japan. May 1 - May Day. May 3 - Constitution Day ( Campokinambi), which has been celebrated since 1947. May 4 has also been declared a public holiday to avoid disrupting the week. ^_^ "Golden Week" is considered an ideal time for vacations - Japan has the best weather at this time.
May 5 is a national holiday, Children's Day ( Kodomo no hi). Previously, it was a holiday only for boys. On this day, families with boys hang carp-shaped wind pennants outside ( koinobori). Carp is considered a symbol of courage, strength and success because it can swim against the current.
The second Sunday in May is Mother's Day. The Japanese borrowed this holiday from the Americans and began celebrating it in 1913 (with a break for the war). On this day, children give their mothers gifts and flowers and help them with the housework.
June
June 4 is the Day against Caries. During the week, dentists visit schools and talk about the dangers of tooth decay and how to brush your teeth properly.
The third Sunday in June is Fathers Day. Like Mother's Day, this holiday came from the USA. On this day, children give gifts to their fathers, usually ties, wallets, umbrellas and so on. Also, some schools organize classes on this day so that fathers (who work on weekdays) can come to school and watch how their children study.
From early June to mid-July in Japan - summer season rain ( Tsuyu).
July
July 1 - opening of the climbing season on Mount Fuji ( Yamabiraki). There is a post office at the top of the mountain, and anyone can send a letter from it to prove to their friends that they really have been to the top of Fuji.
July 7th is a holiday Tanabata or Festival of Stars. According to legend, on this night the stars of the Shepherd (Altair) and the Spinner (Vega), usually separated by the Milky Way, meet. At night, the Japanese make wishes, write them on narrow strips of paper and tie them to bamboo stems. In some parts of the country this holiday is celebrated on August 7th.
July 20 - Sea Day ( Umi no hi). It was only declared a public holiday in 1996, but has been celebrated since 1941 to commemorate the return of the Emperor Meiji to the port of Yokohama from a trip to northern Japan in 1876. Now on this day the summer holidays begin.
August
August 15 is Remembrance Day for the victims of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima (August 9, 1945) and Nagasaki (August 9, 1945). On this day, Japan officially surrendered.
In mid-August, days dedicated to the holiday are held Bon- Ancestors' Day. It is believed that on these days ancestors visit the houses in which they previously lived. Special welcome bonfires are lit for them. mukae-bi, which at the end of the holiday are replaced by farewell bonfires okuri-bi. Sometimes okuri-bi is lit in lamps and lowered into the water. A ceremony is performed in Buddhist temples Urabon in honor of deceased ancestors. All over Japan these days people dance a special round dance. Odori executable in national costumes. During the Bon holiday, vacations are often granted to visit the graves of ancestors. During the Bon holiday, it is customary to give gifts to each other.
Throughout August, nightly fireworks festivals are organized in Japan.
September
August 31 or September 1 - day Nihyaku current- the beginning of the typhoon season. The harvest must be completed before this day, otherwise the crop will perish. According to tradition, this day is considered the 210th day since the Rissyun holiday.
In addition to typhoons, September also begins autumn season rain ( Akisame).
On September 1, 1923, the Great Kanto Earthquake occurred, in which 140 thousand people died in the vicinity of Tokyo, and Tokyo itself was destroyed. In 1960, this day was declared Natural Disaster Relief Day. On this day, schools conduct training evacuations of schoolchildren. Usually they end the ceremony of the beginning of a new trimester. ^_^
September 15 is a national holiday, Day of Respect for the Elderly ( Keiro no hi). It has been celebrated since 1951 and was declared state in 1966.
September 14 or 15 - Full Moon Admiration Day ( Chushu no meigetsu). On this day, donuts in the shape of the full moon are eaten. The holiday is dedicated to the moon god Tsukiyoshi.
September 23 or 24 - Autumnal Equinox ( Shubun no hi). Weekly period starting three days before the Day Autumn Equinox, called Higan (as in spring). During this time, the Japanese also visit the graves of their ancestors.
October
October 1 is the Day of collecting donations for the benefit of the poor. Its symbol is a red feather, and this tradition came to Japan from the United States. Many celebrities are participating in the fundraiser.
The second Monday of October (until 2000 - October 10) - public holiday Sports Day ( Taiyuku no hi). Established in honor of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Various sports competitions are held on this day.
International Book Week takes place from October 27 to November 9. The holiday has been celebrated since 1947 and was borrowed from the USA.
November
November 3 - Culture Day ( Bunka no hi), Public Holiday. On this day in 1946, the new Japanese Constitution was published. On this day, the emperor awards cultural awards.
November 15 - Holiday City-go-san("Seven-five-three"). On this day, children as young as three, boys as young as five, and girls as young as seven visit Shinto shrines and pray for longevity. In ancient times, at the age of three, children stopped shaving their heads; at the age of five, boys were first dressed in trousers. hakama, and girls were first tied with a belt at the age of seven obi. Therefore, now children usually come to churches in national costumes. After visiting the temple, parents buy longevity candy for their children - chitose ame. It is sold with a bag on which a stork and a turtle are depicted - ancient symbols of long life. Literally "chitose" means "a thousand years".
November 23 is a national holiday, Labor Thanksgiving Day ( Kinrokansha no hi). It was established in 1948 in honor of the ancient Harvest Festival ( Niinamesai). During this festival, the emperor thanked the gods for the rice harvest and symbolically shared a meal with them. Now this holiday is also associated with guarantees of employment and human rights.
December
December 25-28 - making mochi rice balls to eat on New Year's Eve. Mochi are considered to be the embodiment of the spirit of rice. Eating them is communion with his divine power.
December 31 - ceremony Omisoka, cleaning the house before the New Year. The house is thoroughly washed and cleaned, all garbage is thrown away. On New Year's night they eat long noodles toshi-koshi(“moving from year to year”) so that life lasts as long as these noodles. At midnight in Buddhist temples the bell is rung 108 times to overcome the 108 passions that prevent people from achieving Enlightenment. These 108 strokes mark the beginning of the New Year for the Japanese.
“The Land of the Rising Sun” is the only one in the civilized world where the cult of worship of the forces of nature still officially exists. We are talking about an authentic Shinto religion that has given rise to many amazing traditions. Among them are unusual holidays of Japan, the essence of which is difficult to understand without deep penetration into the philosophy and beliefs of the inhabitants of the small island state.
The main postulate of Shintoism: any object or natural object has its own soul, or is a receptacle for good and evil spirits. The task of adherents of this religion is to attract favorably disposed entities - “kami” and scare away the demons “they” who harm people in every possible way. All the rituals necessary for this are carried out during Japanese holidays, which is why they seem so unusual to the uninitiated.
O-hanami - admiring cherry blossoms
The Japanese know that contemplation of natural beauty fills the soul with beneficial energy “kami”. Therefore, in early April they celebrate the ancient holiday of O-hanami - watching the cherry blossoms. As soon as graceful trees are dressed in a snow-white or pink outfit, connoisseurs of beauty put everything aside and rush to the parks to enjoy this magical spectacle.
To nature in holidays The Japanese go out with whole families: they have picnics, have leisurely conversations and watch how fragile flower petals slowly fall off, inhaling their delicate aroma. Everything you need for a good rest can be bought right in the park from merchants offering a wide range: from food and drinks to children's toys.
Sakura does not bloom for long - a maximum of 10 days, so it is admired not only in daylight, but also at night. In parks during this period, special ground-based “right-appu” lights are installed, effectively illuminating the trees from below.
The hanami tradition dates back to the 3rd century. n. e. Over time, at the imperial court, viewing sakura turned into a complex ritual, including reading poetry, playing musical instruments and philosophical conversations. Cherry trees quickly fade, giving the poetic Japanese thoughts about the fleeting nature of life and the need to capture fleeting beauty in their memory.
Despite the fact that O-hanami is not official holiday, he is one of the most beloved and anticipated, not only by native Japanese, but also by numerous tourists visiting the country. Foreigners mainly focus their attention on three Tokyo parks where you can admire the cherry blossoms in spring: Shinjuku Gyoen, Ueno and Sumida.
Ombashira Matsuri - extreme log skiing
This festival is considered the most traumatic in Japan, but it has been celebrated for 1200 years and is unlikely to be canceled in the near future. It is held in Nagano Prefecture, not far from the ancient temple complex of Suwa-taishi.
Ombashira are “columns of honor” made from a single trunk of 200-year-old fir trees. Once every 6 years, they are made by residents of surrounding towns and villages for symbolic repairs of Suwa Taishi buildings. On the mountain next to the temple complex, 16 giant columns are cut down and then brought down in a very unusual way.
The logs are saddled by daredevils and slid down steep slopes full of ravines. Thus, they demonstrate the courage and readiness for self-sacrifice so revered by the Japanese. True, the people accompanying the wooden colossus are trying to somehow hold it and direct it to “ the right direction“, but their efforts do not produce tangible results.
Moving along a slope, the log develops enormous speed, bouncing on bumps and rotating around its longitudinal axis. Participants in a kind of rodeo often cannot hold on and fall, receiving serious injuries, and sometimes paying for their excessive fearlessness with their lives.
But death during Ombasira celebrations is considered honorable, so the number of people wishing to “ride” does not decrease from year to year.
In order to get rid of negative energy, attracting destructive demonic forces, the Japanese came up with a special holiday... curses. It is held on Mount Atago in Kyoto, where a Shinto shrine dedicated to the goddess of death and rebirth Izanami is located.
On the third Sunday in December, on New Year's Eve, everyone gathers at the foot of the stairs leading up to the sanctuary. Then 13 temple servants (kannushi) appear dressed in tengu demon costumes: white clothes and red masks depicting the heads of mythical monsters. They hold symbolic sacrifices in their hands, most often these are mochi rice cakes.
The priests slowly climb the stairs, and those around them shower them with curses and curses, trying to snatch the ritual treat (shinsen). It is believed that such a trophy brings good luck all year round. Having climbed the mountain, the kannusi throw the remaining flatbreads into the crowd.
The holiday originated in the Edo era, about 200 years ago. It became an excellent psychotherapeutic session for the peasants, mostly women, who were herded into textile factories and exhausted by backbreaking labor. By throwing out negativity, the Japanese cleanse themselves before the New Year.
It has been noticed that recently at the holidays it is increasingly heard English speech. It seems that foreign tourists also liked the Japanese way of getting rid of destructive emotions.
The event starts at 23:00 local time. After a 40-minute climb up the mountain, as the clock hands approach midnight, the celebratory bell begins to ring, and the priests remove their tengu masks and shout New Year's greetings. Then those present drink the wine, making a wish with each sip. “Akutai Matsuri” ends on a positive note.
Naki Sumo: Crying Baby Competition
Usually adults try to console a sobbing baby as quickly as possible. But not during the Naki Sumo festival. Here, children under the age of 1 year are not only not reassured, but, on the contrary, they are frightened in every possible way, literally leading to hysterics. The meaning of the strange actions is approximately the same as at the “festival of curses”: along with tears, the child gets rid of negativity, and the evil entities that are nearby scatter in fear.
After this, the baby’s health increases, he grows strong, resilient and developed. At least, that's what the Japanese think. The Naki Sumo Festival is held as part of National Children's Day, which is celebrated on May 5th.
Babies don't just cry, they also compete with each other. It happens something like this: non-professional sumo wrestlers enter the arena with small children in their hands and stand opposite each other. The little ones separated from their parents already want to cry when an unknown giant suddenly takes them away and begins to spin them around in the most unceremonious way. Overly calm babies are frightened by making scary faces. If this does not help, the judge of the competition puts on a tengu mask and pretends to rush at the daredevils.
The child who screams earlier or louder than his opponent is considered the winner. For their child’s participation in competitions, parents pay 10,000 yen (approximately $90).
Naked men's race, Hadaka Matsuri
The idea of cleansing the body and spirit is dominant for Shintoists. Hadaka Matsuri provides such an opportunity stronger sex, also allowing you to demonstrate your courage and get an amulet of good luck.
The Japanese believe that cold is the best cleanser, so the festival is held in February. Its participants are men between 23 and 42 years old, dressed only in loincloths (fundoshi). They gather at the temples, where they warm up with wrestling, sports exercises and sake before the main event begins. The most seasoned swim in nearby reservoirs.
Then an absolutely naked man – Sinotoko – comes out of the temple and runs through the streets of the city or village. The rest of the party participants, dressed little better than the “main character,” chase after him and try to touch him with his hand. It is believed that at the moment of touch, the shinotoko takes on the failures of its pursuer. There are guards along the entire route of the race, preventing the crowd from wanting to blame existing problems on the symbolic “scapegoat”.
At the end of the unusual festival, priests shower a crowd of half-naked men with ritual sticks, which are believed to bring good luck.
The February “naked running” takes place in many places in Japan, but the most spectacular event is considered to be in the city of Okayama, where such entertainment originated. More than 9,000 people take part in youth games in the cold.
Indecent Kanamara Matsuri
Another name for this popular event is the “Festival of Iron Phalluses.” It is held in the city of Kawasaki, not far from the Japanese capital, every first Sunday in April.
In Shintoism, the phallus symbolizes fertility and spring rebirth. It is believed that worshiping him ensures a good harvest and helps in childbearing. But the participants of the Kanamara festival have slightly different goals. The celebration traditions originated at the beginning of the 17th century on the initiative of local geishas. Representatives of the ancient profession asked the powerful symbol for protection from sexually transmitted diseases, primarily syphilis. They prayed at the Kanayama Temple, from where the festive procession of the “Iron Phallus” begins today.
Along the central city street, three phallic statues are carried in decorated palanquins, the tallest of which is painted pink color and reaches a height of 2.5 m. She is accompanied by dressed up transvestites, who lightly shake the sculpture along the way, which imitates sexual intercourse.
The festival sells souvenirs, vegetables and sweet products with easily recognizable savory forms. Japanese women of all ages, from schoolgirls to venerable old ladies, feast on lollipops in the shape of manhood without a hint of embarrassment. Puritan tourists take candy “as a souvenir,” not daring to try it, at least in public.
The name “Iron Phallus” was given to the festival by an ancient legend about a goddess, inside of whom a demon-dragon settled. This predator deprived all the men who tried to impregnate the beautiful celestial woman from the main “object of pride”. Then she resorted to a trick and turned to a blacksmith, who made a metal dildo. The dragon broke his teeth, and the goddess finally got happily married.
Attention: The Kanamara festival should not be confused with the similar Honnen Matsuri, a festival with more than a thousand years of history, which is based on an ancient phallic cult.
Valentine's Day in Japanese
Residents of the “Land of the Rising Sun” have developed their own unique etiquette, turning any, even the simplest action into a complex ritual that delivers aesthetic pleasure. A striking example serves the legendary tea ceremony, replacing the simple absorption of an invigorating drink among Europeans.
By making life beautiful and perfect at every moment of existence, the Japanese attract maximum amount beneficial energy of the kami. It is not surprising that they managed to assimilate and “reshape” Western holidays in their own way.
On St. Day Valentine - February 14 in Japan is customary to organize romantic surprises only for men, while the fair half of humanity remains without pleasant signs of attention from a partner. But exactly a month later, the stronger sex makes a broad reciprocal gesture - showering their beloved with gifts.
Moreover, only white items are selected:
- marshmallows;
- cookies in milk glaze;
- marshmallow;
- white linen;
- platinum jewelry with diamonds, pearls, etc.
Interesting: a man, in response to a surprise on Valentine's Day, must make an offering that is 3 times the value of the gift he received. This is called the triple return rule.
Japan's festivals are part of the country's amazing culture; each of them is unique and deserves admiration. Mountain and Ocean Day, coming of age celebration, Setsubun and Tanabata... the list goes on for a long time. The Japanese have truly found the secret code of absolute harmony, which is reflected in their celebrations, no matter what the occasion.
