Public holidays in Japan every year. Traditional holidays of Japan

Perhaps no other country has as many official public holidays as Japan. Today, the special Japanese law on public holidays establishes 15 official holidays, as well as the dates of their holding. This a large number of public holidays is partly explained by the fact that in Japan it is not customary to go on vacation for a long time - a maximum of 10-12 days. In Japanese companies, the absence of an employee for more than a specified period is considered something of a “separation from the team” and an expression of disloyalty to the company. Therefore, many Japanese prefer to combine vacations with holidays, especially Golden Week, which is celebrated in early May.

On the other hand, such a relatively large number of national public holidays is due to the fact that some are traditional, rooted in the history of Japan, while others are relatively young.

Here are 15 public holidays in Japan:

Second Monday of January – Coming of Age Day

Third Monday of July – Sea Day

Third Monday of September – Day of Honoring the Elderly

Second Monday of October – Day of Physical Education and Sports

The basis for establishing public holidays in Japan was the Public Holidays Law of 1948. Certain provisions of the law determine the procedure for postponing holidays. So, for example, if a holiday falls on a Sunday, it is moved to Monday. An interesting point is the definition of the days of the spring and autumn equinox. The exact dates of the spring and autumn equinoxes on next year determined by the Japanese National Observatory, which makes the necessary astronomical calculations and measurements on February 1 of the current year. Therefore, in 2009, the day of the vernal equinox fell on March 20, and the day of the vernal equinox will be on September 23. In reality, the day off will be September 22 - this was done so that there was no gap between two holidays (Day of Honoring the Elderly), and to extend the series of weekends and holidays to four.

Over time, the law on public holidays was amended to provide so-called “long weekends”, that is, to link some holidays not to a certain fixed date, but to a specific day of the week. Thus, since 2000, Japan has adopted the “Happy Monday” system: Coming of Age Day, instead of January 15, is now celebrated on the second Monday of January, Sea Day, instead of July 20, is celebrated on the third Monday of July, and Respect for the Elderly Day, instead of September 15, is celebrated on the third Monday. September, Physical Education and Sports Day instead of October 10 - on the second Monday of October. The most recent change to the law came into effect in 2007, when a new Japanese public holiday, Showa Day, was introduced instead of Greenery Day, which was celebrated on April 29. And it was decided to move Green Day to May 4th.

A full description of each of the holidays will take a considerable number of pages, so we will briefly dwell on the main features of each of the holidays. Perhaps in future publications we will look at some holidays in more detail.

New Year(O-shogatsu). The noisiest, funniest, long-awaited and colorful holiday is considered to be o-shogatsu - New Year, which is usually accompanied by several days of vacation. The word shogatsu itself means the traditional name for the month of January, and ganjitsu means the first of January, the first day of the year. The variety of Japanese New Year traditions, rituals and ceremonies is beyond description.

Since the last quarter of the 19th century, such a phenomenon as nengajo has become widespread in Japan - New Year cards, which every Japanese family sends to all relatives and friends. The number of nengajō sent and received reaches several dozen. The first day of the New Year usually begins with checking the list of cards sent and received, their number must match. If for some reason in the pre-holiday bustle you forgot to congratulate someone close to you, this omission is immediately corrected by sending nengajo. This popularity dates back to the beginning of the Japanese postal service, which sells and sends New Year's cards and earns a very good profit, since the number of nengajo is simply incredible.

Crowds of people flock to Buddhist and Shinto shrines to participate in purification ceremonies. These rituals are usually associated with fire as an element of purification. The arrival of the New Year is heralded at midnight by the ringing of 108 bells in Buddhist temples. After the last ring of the bell, people go out into the street to celebrate the New Year with the first rays of the sun. Early in the morning of January 1st, Shintoists take their first visit to the temple in the New Year. The Japanese usually devote the second half of the day to visiting relatives and friends. If the Japanese greet each other with the phrase “Akemashite ometo gozaimasu!”, you can be sure that the New Year has come into its own, because these words mean “Happy New Year!”

The New Year's decoration of a Japanese home is characterized by a variety of decorations. Depending on a particular tradition, these can be branches of pine, bamboo, plum, bouquets of willow or bamboo branches on which mochi is hung. The main decoration is Kadomatsu (literally “pine tree at the gate”) - a kind of greeting for Toshigami (the deity of the New Year holiday).

In Russia there is a saying: “How you celebrate the New Year is how you will spend it.” There is something similar in Japan, but with its own specifics. Here it is customary to celebrate everything that was done for the first time in the coming year: hatsuni - first goods, hatsuuri - first trade, hatsubai - first purchase, etc. In our country, it is customary to make a wish during the chime of the New Year’s chimes, and the Japanese hold entire mass rituals called kakikhajime - with new brushes they write the chosen phrase, which carries a moralizing meaning. The Japanese believe that if you write with all your heart, conscientiously and well, then this phrase must come true.

Coming of Age Day (Seijin-no-hi). The Japanese have been celebrating this holiday for a long time, although it was officially established only in 1948. Since 2000, the celebration day has been set on the second Monday of January. On this day, congratulations are given to all boys and girls who have turned 20 years old. From this age, young people become adults with all the rights and responsibilities that come with it. They can participate in elections, acquire full adult rights, are responsible before the law, and, in general, become full citizens of their country. Officially in Japan it is legal to smoke and drink alcohol from the age of 20.

Municipal authorities, as well as some educational institutions, hold receptions for the heroes of the occasion, at which they are presented with memorable gifts, and written congratulations indicate how the past year was marked. The fun is overflowing, and having officially become adults and having experienced all the benefits of complete freedom, some may go overboard in alcoholic libations. Often such “adults” cannot get home on their own, but on such a bad day this is not considered shameful.

Day of the founding of the state (Kenkoku kinen-no-hi). According to the Nihon-shoki - Japanese chronicles, it is believed that February 11, 660 BC is the day of the ascension to the throne of the very first emperor of Japan - Jimmu, who gave rise to the Japanese nation. Before the Second World War, this holiday was celebrated as the Day of the Founding of the Empire. After the war, this date was no longer celebrated as a national holiday, however, 20 years later it was restored in 1966 and since 1967, all Japanese have celebrated the birth of their country on this day.

Although the existence of Jimmu is not historically reliably confirmed, the pre-war holiday was used as a kind of exaltation of the imperial system of power. Therefore, the restoration of this holiday under a different name caused a heated debate in political circles of the country. This was due to the fact that opposition forces were afraid of the restoration of the pre-war system of Japanese militarism. Sometimes, to this day, the holiday is a reason for political battles between certain parties. For the Japanese themselves, such a political background to the holiday is not decisive; they are patriots of their country and spend this day with their family, with friends, or doing some kind of outdoor activity.

Day of the vernal equinox (Shumbun-no-hi). One of the ancient Japanese holidays associated with religious tradition. On the one hand, it owes its origin to Shinto (the tradition of celebrating seasonal changes), and on the other, to Buddhism (veneration of the cult of ancestors). On this day, many Japanese visit the graves of their ancestors, hold various memorial services, and prepare ritual dishes. The most famous delicacy of this bota-mochi festival is rice balls coated with red bean paste boiled with sugar.

It is believed that on this day spring finally comes into its own, day takes precedence over night, everything in nature comes to life and is reborn. Very soon the cherry blossoms will bloom and you can fully enjoy hanami - admiring the cherry blossoms.

Showa Day. Following the accession of Japan's 124th Emperor Hirohito, April 29 became a national holiday and was celebrated as the "Emperor's Birthday" until his death in 1989. The reign of Emperor Hirohito is called the Showa era. After the Emperor's death, the National Holidays Law was amended and the day was renamed Greenery Day, still remaining a national holiday.

Why did April 29 become Showa Day in 2007? Firstly, the Showa era is the longest period in the history of Japan, marked by truly pivotal events in the life of the country: this is also the Second World War, which brought the defeat of militaristic Japan, this is the rapid post-war economic recovery and improvement in the quality of life of the Japanese, these are the Olympic Games, and many other events that filled the 20th century.

Secondly, Emperor Hirohito, after his defeat in World War II, declared that he was “becoming a man,” that is, he renounced his divine origin. And this was one of the key points in Japan's post-war rebirth.

Over time, many Japanese began to forget the original meaning and meaning of this holiday. But some remember their deified emperor and worship him even after his death. And so there were activists who wanted the name of the holiday to become more understandable and reminiscent of the bygone Showa era. Corresponding amendments were made to the law, and, as mentioned above, since 2007 this holiday began to be referred to as “Showa Day”. This day marks the beginning of the "golden week".

Japanese Constitution Day (Kempo Kinambi). On May 3, 1948, the current Japanese Constitution was adopted, which radically changed the nature and principles of the state. The main provisions of the constitution were prepared by US lawyers from the headquarters of the occupation forces, and although the opinion of Japanese political scientists and legal scholars was taken into account when developing the text, some experts still call this constitution pro-American.

The main changes affected the status of the emperor, who lost his powers as the leader of the state. From now on, the emperor becomes the “symbol of the state.” Article 9 of the constitution declares the Japanese renunciation of war as the sovereign right of the nation in resolving international disputes, which was a significant difference from the basic laws of other states. The sovereignty of the Japanese people, basic human rights, the principles of separation of powers and local self-government were also recognized, which generally led Japan to parliamentary democracy.

Green Day (Midori-no-hi). As already mentioned, this holiday was originally the birthday of Emperor Hirohito, then it was actually called Green Day, and since 2007 it has been celebrated on May 4, thereby replacing the “empty” day of rest between Constitution Day and Children’s Day.

The very name of the holiday is associated with Emperor Showa’s love for nature. During his many post-war trips around the country, when the emperor came to support morally damaged families, various tree planting festivals were organized. In addition, he was interested in marine biology and even published his scientific works in this field.

Most Japanese people do not attach much meaning to this holiday. It is believed that this is a celebration of late spring, when everything blooms and turns green in Japan. It's time for sunny weather, so many people spend this day outdoors with their families and friends.

Children's Day (kodomo-no-hi). The last holiday of the “golden week”. Until 1948, it was celebrated as the Boys' Festival, as opposed to Hinamatsuri, when an amendment to the holiday law merged the two holidays into one. Despite this, since this holiday has been celebrated in honor of boys since ancient times, today in Children’s Day elements of the ancient holiday are visible to the naked eye.

Above the houses, on high poles, rise the so-called “koinobori” - special decorations in the form of multi-colored carps sewn from fabric. Carp is a symbol of courage. According to legend, only a carp was able to swim against the current of the Yellow River in China and therefore turned into a dragon. The colored stripes crowning the pole symbolize the river rapids that the carp overcome in the water.

Sea Day (Umi-no-hi). A relatively young holiday. Until 1996, it was called “Sea Remembrance Day”, after which it became a state holiday with a set date of July 20. But as a result of the revision of the “Law on National Holidays” since 2003, it began to be celebrated on the first Monday of July. Of course, this is a significant day for those people whose profession is inextricably linked with the sea, but for most Japanese it is still an additional day off, which they wait for as a signal to start summer holiday.

Day of Honoring the Elderly (Keiro-no-hi). It is no secret that Japan ranks first in the world in terms of life expectancy. Therefore, it is no wonder that such a holiday as the Day of Honoring the Elderly takes place here. In addition, in Japan, like in no other country, elders, and older people in particular, are treated with the most respect. And this holiday is considered one of the most beloved and bright among the Japanese. No wonder there is a saying in Japan: “Learn something new by turning to the old.”

The holiday dates back to 1947, when a village in Hyogo Prefecture initiated a holiday to honor the elderly at the end of the harvest in September. A few years later, this trend was picked up by neighboring villages, and subsequently by the whole country. And since 1966, September 15 has become a national holiday. In 2003, the holiday was moved to the third Monday in September.

Day of the autumnal equinox (Shubun-no-hi). In many ways similar to the day of the vernal equinox. Dedicated to seasonal changes, as well as the veneration of the cult of ancestors. There are some specific events, such as the pumpkin festival, from which various sculptural compositions are made. It is believed that during this period the moon is most beautiful, so the Japanese try to devote time to tsukimi - admiring the moon.

Day of Physical Education and Sports (Taiiku-no-hi). October 10, 1964 marked the opening Olympic Games in Tokyo, which became the first in Asia. These Games finally showed that Japan had recovered economically from post-war devastation. In 1966, it was decided to legalize this day as a holiday. Usually on this day various events dedicated to physical education and sports are held. Moreover, the state places emphasis on physical culture, and not on professional sports, which are financed mainly by private companies. Although the state’s considerable merit also lies in the preparation of various major sports competitions of our time. In 2000 it was moved to the second Monday in October.

Culture Day (Bunka-no-hi). Until 1948, it existed as the birthday of the emperor of the Meiji period. Then it was renamed to its current name, which expressed the new views of the country's political authorities, aimed at developing culture in the spirit of the ideals of freedom and peace. Every year on this day, about 5 thousand people receive various government awards for their contribution to cultural development. The highest awards are presented by the emperor himself, while smaller awards are presented by the corresponding members of the cabinet. Foreigners who contributed the most significant contribution in the development of their country's relations with Japan, or who have achieved certain successes in Japanese studies, are also awarded.

Labor Day (Kinro-kansha-no-hi). If translated literally, it will sound like “Thanksgiving to Labor Day.” The end of November is the time of completion of agricultural work, an excellent occasion to celebrate a good harvest. This holiday came out of the Shinto tradition of thanking the gods, offering them grown food and ears of rice. It is customary to thank each other for help in one or another area of ​​work.

Emperor's Birthday (Tenno-tanjobi). Birthday of the living Emperor Akihito, who was born on December 23, 1933. This day became a national holiday after the emperor's accession to the throne in 1989. In the morning, the Emperor receives congratulations from members of the Imperial Family, the Prime Minister, the Chairman of the Parliament and advisers. Then a special tea ceremony is held with the ambassadors different countries. Crowds of Japanese people arrive at the imperial palace to greet their emperor, who appears on a glass-enclosed balcony.

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

January 1 - New Year ( Ganjitsu), a public holiday and one of the most magnificent celebrations throughout the 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 teller for the entire year. The best dreams are 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 the most important events in the sports life of 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 already 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 in gratitude for the gifts on Valentine's Day. The holiday has been celebrated since 1965.

March 20 or 21 - Vernal Equinox Day ( 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, performed 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). The weeklong period beginning three days before the Autumn Equinox is 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 Shichi-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.

Despite their legendary hard work, very few Japanese refuse their legal right to rest a little. But, of course, there are also unofficial holidays - matsuri. They are not formally a weekend, but are accompanied by quite lush processions, fireworks, beautiful performances, in a word, everything looks very, very spectacular and impressive.

New Year and related holidays

Something like a holiday begins on New Year's Eve. By the way, you should not confuse Japan and other Asian countries in this regard; in Japan, the New Year is celebrated according to the Gregorian calendar, at least en masse. True, the emphasis is on January 1, and not on December 31, as in Russia. It's simple: the Japanese believe that a new year and a new day begins at dawn, and not with the onset of the required number of hours. Therefore, they attach great importance to the morning of January 1st.

But this is if we get ahead of ourselves a little. In general, the importance the Japanese attach to the New Year is already noticeable in Omisoka; it is something like an analogue of spring cleaning, cleaning. At this time, the Japanese not only like to organize general cleaning, but also organize fun parties with beer, seafood and get-togethers in bars. For immigrants from Russia, such habits seem familiar and even somehow touching. In fact, besides the fact that it’s just nice to sit with a glass of something good in cheerful company, the Japanese have some hidden meaning in this action: they are getting rid of the old. For example, they can ask a friend for forgiveness, or delicately ask friends if they need help. In general, old debts are covered.

Omisoka is not a holiday, but it is a special period that is significant for most Japanese, which, moreover, is directly related to the New Year. Therefore it is worth mentioning. In addition, Omisoka in some prefectures is celebrated especially magnificently, accompanied by various rituals when water is poured out of windows or some kind of food is thrown out. old thing... Sometimes rooms are cleaned by ringing bells or special singing. In general, tourists have something to see, especially if for some reason they find themselves in the province at this time. Here in large modern cities Such times now often pass almost unnoticed.

But let's go back to the New Year. December 31st is the farewell to the old year. The Japanese take this day quite calmly; many watch congratulations on TV at 12 o’clock and then go to bed. However, this applies to a greater extent to the adult generation, and young people are increasingly succumbing to the trends of Western culture, they can go to nightclubs to count down 12 hours there... But still, this does not happen as massively as, for example, in Europe or in Russia.

On December 31, it is customary to eat buckwheat noodles (soba), which acquires special significance on this day. Its length symbolizes the entire past year that was lived. And by eating such long noodles, the Japanese seem to show that he accepts responsibility for what he has lived. Also on December 31, many visit temples, where they make sacrifices, pray for prosperity in the coming year, and write wishes on special wooden tablets. Special amulets with the image (symbolic) of the animal of the next year are sold everywhere here.

Finally, January 1st arrives, the most important or one of the most important holidays for Japan. Of course, on this day the country is quite beautiful, lanterns and flags are hung, a lot of different decorative elements are used for decorations, and so on. But compared to many other countries and, say, Chinese New Year lunar calendar, Japan is very quiet on this day. The fact is that this holiday is, first of all, family. The Japanese use January 1, 2 and 3 to reunite with their families, celebrate the new year, and be with loved ones.

The main food on January 1st is osechi. It carries more meaning than taste, that is, it is not made for the enjoyment of taste, but rather for sacred reasons. This does not mean that many Japanese do not like it, but most people take the New Year's treat quite calmly. So on festive table Caviar is always served, this is a symbol of fertility, wealth, beans are an opportunity to work hard and stay healthy, shrimp are a wish for longevity. In general, whether it’s tasty or not depends greatly on what exactly is there. The set varies greatly from prefecture to prefecture, and in the capital of the country, different shops and restaurants prepare a variety of sets; you should order them in advance, because 2 weeks before the New Year, for example, is often considered too late. Of course, they are all beautifully decorated.

Cherry blossom festival

A little out of chronological order, but just what most tourists are familiar with, what they hear about... And what is festive is often associated with Japan. Nowadays there is generally a separate tourist destination: taking travelers to certain places to admire the cherry blossoms. Officially, the first day of cherry blossom is when the buds appear on the tree at Yasukumi, an ancient Buddhist temple in Tokyo. From this moment, all the country's media begin to count down 2 weeks, which is how long this beautiful plant blooms.

But in general, Japan is a very geographically extended country from north to south. And in the south, in some regions, sakura begins to bloom in February. Wealthy Japanese even allow themselves such entertainment: they travel to different cities and territories of the country to prolong the pleasure of admiring sakura. It is noteworthy that this custom has quite a rich history. The tradition of admiring tree blossoms dates back more than seventeen centuries. Initially, this was considered the lot of aristocrats who gathered under cherry blossom trees, wrote poetry, thought about the eternal, and practiced the fine arts.

Then this tradition came to the taste of the common people. And the emperor ordered to plant sakura literally throughout the country, so that everyone could admire the beauty of the plant. During the Meiji era, trees were unlucky: they began to be cut down because it was believed that the plant would once again remind of the old government. But this nightmare for the trees did not last very long. And now admiring sakura is considered a tribute to the past, cultural heritage, and unique Japanese flavor.

It is worth noting that pilgrimages to the parks and to these trees in general occur constantly, day and night. And so that everything can be clearly seen in the evening in the dark, the trees are decorated with special lanterns. As a result, many Japanese parks become very beautiful and elegant. By the way, a special festival is organized to celebrate the cherry blossoms, various contests, competitions, pictures are drawn, poems are dedicated... In general, it is also a very creative holiday.

Coming of Age Celebration

On the second Monday of January, Japanese boys and girls celebrate their coming of age. This applies to everyone who turned 20 this year, regardless of the date. The celebration dates back more than a hundred years: previously, men were sworn to a special oath, their locks of hair above their foreheads were shaved and a braid was tied like a samurai. The girls got the opportunity to wear the first kimono of an adult woman in their life. And they also had their own rituals and ceremonies associated with emphasizing femininity and the special role in maintaining the hearth.

Today, a lot comes down to parties, solemn processions of young people in beautiful national costumes, and the opportunity for girls to show off in furisude - one of the most elegant winter kimonos. Of course, numerous photo sessions are organized. For young women, this is one of the few chances to wear a national costume, since a kimono today, no matter how prosaic it may seem, is very expensive. Therefore, some families even set aside money specifically for its purchase. But in general, since such a kimono is needed once in a lifetime, many do not see anything wrong with renting it

The ceremony of maturity certificates itself takes place in the district prefecture, where girls and boys are presented with the appropriate documents. But first they are congratulated on this day, the mayor often speaks, the successful and famous personalities born here so that they can tell how they achieved success. Sometimes they ask you to talk about what you want to achieve in life, but most are still shy. The next point is a Buddhist temple, where, of course, they pray, make wishes and write them on special tablets. And finally, a bar with unlimited drinks, small snacks, and dancing until the morning.

Day of spring equinox

The spring equinox is celebrated in many countries, but not everywhere it has received official status. In Japan, it has been celebrated in this status for 67 years, and every year it attracts more and more attention. It is usually celebrated somewhere between the 21st and 22nd, the exact date determined by astronomers who carefully calculate it. After they announce when the equinox will be this year, the Japanese decide on the day. And they go to Buddhist temples: to pray for a new successful year, to honor the memory of deceased ancestors, to pay homage to them.

It is also customary to make donations, engage in charity work, and pay attention to elders. In Japan, Higan (as it is officially called) is perceived as a holiday associated with renewal and purification. Therefore, they try to do a lot of spring cleaning, get rid of everything superfluous and unnecessary. The streets are in perfect order, which can be seen if you come here at this time.

Autumn equinox day

Shi-bun no Hi and its traditions have many similarities with how the spring equinox holiday is celebrated. But if in March the Japanese are preparing for renewal, then in September they simultaneously thank the deities for a good holiday (even if the harvest was not very good, so as not to anger them) and begin to wait for a long winter. This is a period when one rejoices before serious trials. There are a lot of lanterns being burned, it is generally warm and light takes on a special meaning, so it is not surprising that this day boasts a surprisingly large number of fireworks.

Just like in the spring, on such a day they remember their ancestors. But they don’t go to temples, but to graves, to bow to them, take care of them, for example, plant plants or simply clean them. They make ritual dishes, and they are only vegetarian, literally following the Buddhist prohibition to kill all living things. On the streets, to the delight of tourists, you can see beautiful processions in national costumes.

Sea Day

Sea Day is celebrated on the third Monday in July. This is when the official swimming season begins. This happens so late because the sea here is quite cold. But you can swim for more than half of September, but in general the season itself is quite short. As for the holiday itself, the Japanese emphasize the special significance of the sea for themselves, which, of course, is difficult to overestimate. It is this that provides the main source of nutrition: fish, seafood and algae; without these products it is simply impossible to imagine Japanese cuisine.

This holiday, unlike many other national Japanese celebrations, does not have established traditions. Which is not surprising: it is the youngest of all that are celebrated throughout the country at the state level, it was established in 1996. Many Japanese simply perceive it as an additional day off, although gradually numerous festivals, competitions and competitions are increasingly gaining momentum, especially at resorts.

And yet it cannot be said that there are no traditions at all on this day. For example, it is customary to cook fish in sweet and sour sauce, decorate beaches and hold parties in nautical style. Many also try to swim, and you can see whole crowds on the beaches! In a word, tourists really like this day.

Japan celebrates 14 public holidays, each of which has a day off. In addition to them, there are many more holidays: some came into the country’s culture quite recently, others are already several thousand years old.

By the way, in Japan it is not customary to congratulate people on holidays. The only reason for congratulations can be personal merit or success (graduation from school, for example) or the birth of a child. It is customary to give gifts on all “personal” holidays. Surprises are also presented on the last day of the outgoing year and in the summer on the Bon holiday.

Japanese? They are practical people, so most often they give each other useful things: towels, soap, food, exotic fruits. The gift should not be too “personal”. It is not the gift itself that will be valued more, but its beautiful packaging. Is it forbidden to unwrap gifts in the presence of the giver? this can inadvertently offend him. In addition, gifts cannot be refused.

Here is a list of some Japanese holidays:

January
January 1 is the public holiday of the New Year (Ganjitsu), one of the magnificent celebrations of the year. As a rule, they celebrate for 5 days: from December 30 to January 3. On New Year's Eve, it is customary to pray hatsu-mode (pray for happiness).

It is customary to go to bed only on the night of January 2-3. Hatsu-yume (translated as “the first dream of the year”) is considered a prophetic fortune-telling about good luck for the entire coming year. The best dreams of the night are Mount Fuji or wealth.

The Ekiden marathon relay is being held from January 2 to 3? the most important event in the sporting life of the country.

On January 7, it is customary to serve rice porridge with “7 spring herbs.” Porridge, according to popular belief, will fill the body with strength for a year.

Throughout January, the Japanese worship the Seven Gods of Fortune.

February
February 3-4? This is the Setsubun holiday (analogous to our Old New Year). On the night of February 4, children scatter beans throughout all the rooms of the house, casting spells that should scare away the oni demons. At the end of the ceremony, each child must sit on beans according to their age (7 years old? 7 beans).

February 4-5? Chinese New Year holiday, Beginning of Spring holiday.

March
March, 3rd? traditional Doll Festival, a holiday for little girls. At home, the Japanese organize small exhibitions of dolls dressed in Heian period outfits. It is believed that if you do not have time to remove the dolls at the end of the holiday, your daughters will not be able to get married for a long time.

March 14th? White Day. If on Valentine's Day only women give gifts (chocolate) to men, then on March 14 men are obliged to thank women with white chocolate.

March 20-21 in Japan? Day of spring equinox. The Japanese visit the graves of their ancestors. In southern Japan, cherry blossoms begin to bloom on this day.

April
April 8 marks Buddha's Birthday and celebrates the Flower Festival. Is a special flower tea called amatya, which has magical powers, used to write amulets and water Buddha statues? This is a tribute to the legend according to which, immediately after the birth of Buddha, nine heavenly dragons sprinkled water on the baby’s head. The abundance of flowers at the festival symbolizes the Lumbini garden, where the Enlightened One was born.

May

End of April? Is the beginning of May called “Golden Week” in Japan? this is a series of public holidays: May Day, 3rd? Constitution Day, May 4, although it does not have its own holiday, is considered a public holiday so as not to interrupt the week of celebrations; May 5 is Children's Day (previously there was a holiday only for boys).

June
Fathers' Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June in Japan.

July

Tanabata (Star Festival) is celebrated on July 7th. According to legend, on this night the stars Shepherd and Spinner, separated by the Milky Way, met. The Japanese make wishes at night by writing them down on narrow pieces of paper and then tying them to a bamboo stem.

July 20 - Sea Day. On this day, schoolchildren go on summer vacation.

August
August 15th in Japan? Memorial Day for the victims of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. On this day in 1945, Japan surrendered.

Are there days during the middle of August to celebrate Bon? Ancestors' Day. For the spirits of ancestors visiting their old homes, welcome bonfires are lit, which at the end of the holiday are replaced by farewell fires. During the Bon holiday in Japan, it is customary to give gifts.

September
Typhoon season begins on September 1st. If the crop is not harvested by this day, it could easily die.

September 1 is also celebrated as Disaster Relief Day in honor of the Great Kanto Earthquake (1923), which killed 140,000 people and completely destroyed Tokyo.

September 23-24? On the day of the autumn equinox, as well as on the spring equinox, the Japanese visit the graves of their ancestors.

October
October 1 is declared the Day of collecting donations for the poor.

November
15th of November? traditional Shichi-go-san Festival: all three-year-old Japanese children, as well as boys aged 5 and girls aged 7, must visit Shinto shrines and pray for longevity. This is an ancient tradition that previously had a different execution:
? at the age of three, children no longer had their heads shaved;
? boys aged 5 wore hakama trousers for the first time;
? 7-year-old girls at this age tied an obi belt for the first time.

Children on this day should wear National costumes. After praying at the temple, are parents required to buy chitose ame candy for their children? longevity candy. It is usually sold together with a bag with a stork and a turtle depicted - ancient symbols of long life.

December

December 23? big public holiday. The Emperor's Birthday is celebrated on this day.

From December 25 to December 28, Japan is engaged in the traditional production of mochi rice balls (a New Year's delicacy).

Is there an Omisoka ceremony on December 31st? house cleansing ceremony. On New Year's Eve there should be long toshi-koshi noodles on the table (lit. translation: “passing from this year to that year”): life then will be as long as these noodles. In Buddhist temples, immediately after midnight, 108 bells are struck, thus leaving 108 passions in the past year and allowing people to achieve Enlightenment by abandoning them.

Despite ongoing urbanization and social change, Japanese society retains small, close-knit communities that rely on Shinto gods to help them receive good harvest necessary for survival. Forget for a moment about karaoke, bullet trains and mobile phones. With such deep respect for rituals and traditions, Japanese matsuri (festivals) are much more to the community than just fun. For many they are a part of life. Every day there is at least one holiday somewhere in the country.

Each region has its own holidays or variations of major national holidays. Most honor either Shinto gods and shrines or large Buddhist temples. Buddhist holidays are usually local in nature and are often dedicated to some significant image of the Buddha, perhaps presented to the public only on the occasion of the holiday. The real action takes place during the Shinto holidays. Some are a strict purification ceremony with traditional music, chants, dances, and often with fire. In contrast are crowded and almost riotous processions involving thousands of screaming and sweating men carrying huge portable shrines through the streets to some symbolic destination. The intensity of religious feelings and emotions in general is such that outbreaks of real violence occur. You have to see it to believe it. In such circumstances, the other side of the famous Japanese restraint appears.

The holidays are a time when outwardly modern Japan shows off its former self, a means of maintaining ancient traditions, especially in remote rural areas. Usually holidays have their own important commercial component. Some rural communities create their own small but vibrant celebrations to foster a sense of community and boost the local economy by attracting much-needed fellow tourists.

Some holidays are so picturesque that it is worth timing your arrival in the country to coincide with them. When planning your trip, be sure to contact your nearest Japan National Tourism Office (JNTO) for relevant information. Please note that since many holidays follow the lunar calendar, specific dates vary from year to year. There are thousands of holidays and ceremonies held annually, and it is impossible to describe them all. Instead, we offer a small monthly selection. Doing more research when planning your trip will certainly reveal some valuable nuggets.

January

New Year in Japan is a big holiday, similar in spirit to Christmas in the West, a time when relatives and friends visit each other and visit local shrines. New Year's Eve is a more solemn period than in the West. The Japanese flock to shrines to pray for good luck in the coming year, although last years in urban areas, modern events. People decorate homes, shops, offices and even cars with pine branches and bamboo stalks - symbols of unfading stability and decent behavior.

On January 2, Tokyo opens the interior of the Imperial Palace to visitors, and thousands of people come to pay tribute to the monarch and get a closer look at the palace, which is not possible during the rest of the year.

On January 15, quiet pyromaniacs have a direct route to Nara, where the Wakakusayama Yamayaki (grass burning) ceremony is held, during which people dressed as warrior monks set fire to the slope of Mount Wakakusa after sunset. This is one of the most spectacular events of the year, visible for miles.

On the second Monday of January, Coming of Age Day is celebrated across the country, which becomes a landmark moment for those who have turned 20 and who from that moment officially enter adulthood. Young people take part in special ceremonies in local assembly halls, and girls don unusually fluffy, fur-trimmed kimonos, which are worn only on this special day.

February

On February 3 and 4, the important holiday Setsubun marks the end of winter throughout the country. Priests in frightening masks represent demons, and those present throw beans at them, driving them away with shouts: “Demons, go away, happiness, come!” Additionally, February 3 is one of two days a year when 3,000 lanterns are lit at the Kasuga Grand Shrine in Nara (repeated on August 14-15). In the north, Sapporo hosts the internationally popular Snow Festival (in the first or second week of the month). The culmination of the holiday is a competition ice sculpture in Odori Park, where huge, elaborate castles, towers and gigantic characters from ancient and modern spring up. All over Japan, children living in snowy areas await the arrival of the Kamakura Festival when they begin building igloo-like houses out of snow.

March

The Hina Doll Festival takes place on March 3rd. Elaborately crafted dolls in ancient costumes, representing the imperial couple and other aristocrats, are put on public display for good luck. Some shrines display thousands of dolls brought by believers. Another annual celebration is the two-week O-Mizu-tori festival at Nigatsu-do Temple (one of the smaller Todaiji temples) in Nara. Although the central event is the solemn and highly symbolic ceremony of drawing water, crowds of people flock to the temple for the more open and colorful fire rituals. Every evening from the 1st to the 14th, an action clearly designed for the amusement of the public takes place, consisting in the fact that temple servants with long torches made of cedar branches flaming at both ends run along the edge of the veranda, deliberately showering the crowd gathered below with sheaves of sparks (people They believe that the sparks will bring good luck in the new year and burn away the sins of the past year).

Another highlight of March is the annual fertility festival held at Tagata-jinja Shrine in Aichi Prefecture, north of Nagoya. The amazing sanctuary honors something that knows no boundaries or cultural barriers: the male penis. Huge and modest phalluses, wooden and stone, are kept and honored here. Every year on March 15, the largest specimen of Japanese cedar, 2 m long and weighing 270 kg, peeking out from its portable shrine, slowly sweeps through the entire town. Even seeing this with your own eyes, it’s hard to believe your eyes.

April

On April 8, Buddha's birthday is celebrated throughout Japan with flower festivals. The best place To admire spring azaleas, the Azalea Festival takes place in the last week of the month at Tokyo's Nezu Shrine. In the Kan-sai region, peony lovers head to Hasedera Temple near Nara. April is also the time of cherry blossoms with picnics (hanami) specially dedicated to this natural phenomenon in parks and temples throughout Japan, taking into account the movement of the “front” of blossoming to the north. On April 14 and 15, the city of Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, hosts one of the country's largest parades of large, lavishly decorated floats.

May

The end of April - beginning of May marks the “Golden Week”. This is the unofficial name given to a series of three major national holidays (Greenery Day, Constitution Day and Children's Day). Since this is the only period when many Japanese have a vacation, there is no worse time to visit the country. Hotel rooms, train tickets and even plane tickets are booked months before the desired holiday. Although the former Boys' Day was politically correct and officially renamed Children's Day, in reality it will take some time for the restructuring to take place. The main sign of the holiday remains giant pennants in the shape of carp fluttering on a pole. The ability of these fish to move upstream in turbulent streams is perceived as a behavior model for boys. On May 15, the Stockrose Festival (Aoi Matsuri) takes place in Kyoto. An ancient ritual designed to ensure a good harvest; The Japanese believe that the stems of this plant can ward off thunderstorms and earthquakes. Stockroses decorate a huge red cart, which is pulled by an ox and escorted from the Goto Imperial Palace by 300 Kyoto residents dressed in Heian period costumes.

June

Starting in June, the Ukai holiday celebrates the centuries-old practice of using cormorants to catch the popular river fish IU. The animal rights movement has not yet gained sufficient momentum in Japan, and cormorants still have their necks tied to prevent them from swallowing fish caught underwater. The owner takes away the catch as soon as the unfortunate bird appears on the surface. The various events organized throughout the country are usually ceremonial in nature, with processions illuminated by burning torches.

July

Kyoto's Gion Festival (officially lasts the entire month, but culminates on the 17th) features the most lavish procession of the year, featuring giant floats and the lighting of lanterns. The holiday was originally intended to help people gain favor with the gods during a plague in medieval Kyoto. Nowadays, highly commercialized imitations of the holiday are organized throughout the country. On July 24 and 25, Osaka hosts the grand, sparkling Tenjin Matsuri festival, with Temmangu Shrine as its starting point. Integral elements of the holiday are fireworks, flaming torches and colorfully decorated barges on the Okawa River.

August

At the height of the summer heat and stuffiness, in July and August, O-bon takes place - a colorful and life-affirming national Buddhist festival honoring the spirits of departed ancestors. People travel around the country, cleaning up family graves. In Nagasaki, in mid-August, cemeteries are illuminated with the light of lanterns, and other lanterns are sent out to sea on boats that are supposed to return the souls of the dead to another world. Like Golden Week in April and May, this is the worst time to come to Japan, unless you are embarrassed by the prospect of vying for a train seat and a hotel bed along with millions of other people every time. Many of the country's highways are turning into one big traffic jam. On August 14 and 15, you can witness the second lighting of thousands of lanterns of the year at the Kasuga Grand Shrine in Nara.

October

The second half of October is the time to admire chrysanthemums, when flower arrangements are scattered throughout all cities of the country.

November

On the 15th, Shichi-Go-San (“seven-five-three”) is held, a ceremony for five-year-old boys and three- and seven-year-old girls. Dressed in kimonos or their Sunday best, the children are led into the sanctuaries.

December

December 14 is the time of Gishi Sai, a memorial service for the 47 ronin who on this day in 1703 avenged the death of their master and later committed ritual suicide. The samurai are buried in Senga-kuji, where the service takes place. At midnight on December 31st, bells begin to ring in temples across the country. The bells are rung 108 times according to the number of human passions.

More full information These and other major annual holidays celebrated in Japan can be found on the JNTO website at www.jnto.go.jp.

Public holidays

On the following holidays, banks and offices are closed, but shops and restaurants are open as usual. The exception is the New Year holidays, from December 30 to January 3, when almost everything is closed. The same goes for the unofficial holiday period in mid-August known as Obon. Plan your arrival time to avoid these days. Please also note that if a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday will be a non-working day.

• January 1 - New Year
• 2nd Monday of January - Coming of Age Day
• February 11 - State Foundation Day March 20/21 - Vernal Equinox April 29 - Greenery Day
• May 3 - Constitution Day
• May 4 - “Intermediate Day”, Green Day
• May 5 - Children's Day
• 3rd Monday of July - Sailor's Day
• 3rd Monday of September - Day of Honoring the Elderly
• September 23 or 24 - Autumn Equinox
• 2nd Monday of October - Health and Sports Day
• November 3 - Culture Day
• November 23 - Labor Appreciation Day
• December 23 - Emperor Akihito's birthday

If you are planning to visit Japan on New Year's Day, during Golden Week (April 29 to May 5 with adjacent weekends) or school holidays (March - April, July - August), make reservations and tickets in advance, as hotels will be full and public transport is more crowded than usual. However, these periods of the year are the ideal time to visit Tokyo, which is relatively empty. True, this does not apply to the New Year, when thousands of provincials flock to the gardens of the Imperial Palace.