Japanese New Year Worksheet

Are you interested in learning more about Japanese culture and traditions? If so, you're in the right place! In this blog post, we will be discussing a Japanese New Year worksheet, perfect for anyone wanting to delve deeper into this fascinating holiday. Whether you're a student, a teacher looking for supplementary materials, or simply someone with a curiosity about the world, this worksheet will provide you with an engaging and educational opportunity to learn about the customs associated with Japanese New Year.

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What is Oshogatsu?

Oshogatsu is the Japanese New Year celebration, which is one of the most important and widely observed traditional holidays in Japan. It is a time for families to come together, visit shrines and temples, enjoy special meals, like osechi ryori, and participate in various customs and rituals that are believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year. Oshogatsu typically lasts for the first three days of January and is a time for reflecting on the past year and setting intentions for the year ahead.

What are the traditional decorations used during Japanese New Year?

During Japanese New Year, traditional decorations include kadomatsu (arrangements of pine, bamboo, and plum branches symbolizing longevity and prosperity), shimenawa (sacred rope made of rice straw to ward off evil spirits), kagami mochi (stacked rice cakes topped with a citrus fruit to represent continuity and good fortune), and kumade (bamboo rakes adorned with various auspicious charms and symbols to attract wealth and good luck). These decorations are meant to bring blessings for the coming year and create a festive atmosphere in homes and public spaces.

What is the significance of cleaning the house before New Year's Day?

Cleaning the house before New Year's Day is a common practice in many cultures as it symbolizes getting rid of the previous year's stale energy, making space for new and positive energy to enter in the upcoming year. It is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and happiness to the household, while also preparing a clean and welcoming environment for the new year's celebrations and gatherings. Additionally, a clean house represents a fresh start and shows respect for the new beginnings that the new year brings.

What is mochi and how is it prepared for New Year celebrations?

Mochi is a Japanese rice cake made of glutinous rice pounded into a sticky, chewy texture. For New Year celebrations in Japan, a special event called mochitsuki takes place where families and communities gather to pound steamed glutinous rice with a large wooden mallet until it becomes a smooth and elastic dough. The dough is then shaped into round cakes or other various forms and used in various traditional dishes like ozoni soup or grilled and sweetened with soy sauce and sugar.

What are kadomatsu and shimekazari?

Kadomatsu and shimekazari are traditional Japanese New Year decorations. Kadomatsu are bamboo and pine decorations placed in pairs at the entrance of homes to welcome ancestral spirits and bring good luck for the upcoming year. Shimekazari are sacred straw ropes adorned with auspicious decorations such as oranges, ferns, and white paper strips, hung above entrances to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity.

What is hatsumode and why is it an important ritual during New Year?

Hatsumode is the Japanese tradition of visiting a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple during the first few days of the New Year to pray for good luck, health, and prosperity. It is considered an important ritual as it symbolizes a fresh start to the new year and an opportunity to express gratitude for the past year while seeking blessings for the year ahead. Many people participate in hatsumode to seek divine protection, make wishes, and to connect with their spiritual beliefs, fostering a sense of renewal and hope for the future.

What are some traditional New Year's activities for families?

Some traditional New Year's activities for families include having a special meal together, making resolutions for the upcoming year, watching fireworks or the ball drop, playing games, decorating the house with festive decorations, and counting down to midnight together. Many families also participate in cultural traditions like making noise to scare away evil spirits, visiting temples or churches for blessings, or performing acts of charity and kindness to start the new year on a positive note.

What is the purpose of writing and exchanging nengajo?

The purpose of writing and exchanging nengajo, traditional Japanese New Year's postcards, is to send well wishes and greetings for the upcoming year to family, friends, and colleagues. It is a way to express gratitude, renew connections, and maintain social bonds. This tradition also signifies the start of a fresh year and is seen as a gesture of goodwill and positivity.

What is the tradition behind giving otoshidama to children?

Otoshidama is a Japanese custom where adults give money to children during the New Year period as a symbol of good luck and to encourage their growth and prosperity in the coming year. It is a way to show affection and support to the younger generation, and also serves as a teaching moment about the value of money and saving. The amount of otoshidama given varies depending on the relationship with the child and the giver's financial situation, but it is a widely practiced tradition in Japan to demonstrate care and generosity towards children.

What are some common food items consumed during Japanese New Year celebrations?

During Japanese New Year celebrations, some common food items that are consumed include ozoni (mochi soup), toshikoshi soba (buckwheat noodles), osechi ryori (traditional New Year's foods served in special boxes), kazunoko (herring roe), and sashimi (raw fish). These dishes are often enjoyed with family and friends as part of the traditional New Year festivities in Japan.