Fun and festivities in Japan - celebrations, festivals and cultural events

Most of the Japanese islands are located in a temperate climate zone, characterized by a clear division of seasons. This feature gives residents and guests of Japan an excellent opportunity to observe the change of seasons in the conditions of original landscapes and enjoy the changes occurring in nature. Many festivals organized in the country are devoted to natural phenomena. They are held throughout the year in different parts of Japan. Among the official festivals, one can single out the Emperor’s birthday. During the festivity, the Emperor, Empress and Crown Prince appear on the veranda of the Palace to meet with the people. At the end of the solemn part, everyone can come to the Palace and leave congratulatory messages for the emperor in a special book.

One of the most loved events of the people is New Year. Its symbols in Japan are; Hamaimi (Special blunted arrows with white feathers believed to protect the house from evil spirits), Takarubees (boats with rice for the seven spirits of luck), Kumade (bamboo rake), “shovel” in the house for happiness and luck. The brightest event of the Japanese winter is the February festival of snow sculptures in Sapporo. During the week of this festivity, guests of the holiday can admire realistic ice palaces and figures of heroes of famous Japanese animated films. At night, a skillful illumination gives the ice and snow sculptures a truly majestic look. The festivity area is equipped with an ice park with attractions. Concerts are held and snacks with local food and drinks are distributed.

On the third day of March, Hinamatsuri or Girl’s Day which is a romantic holiday is marked. The most beautiful tradition attached to this event is the ubiquitous exhibition of dolls. Richly dressed girls doll called “hina ningyo”, are exhibited in houses on specially designed stands helping to recreate scenes from the life of the imperial court. In the olden days, people believed that dolls are capable of driving away evil spirits. Japanese boys also have their own holiday, Tango no sacku or Boy’s Day celebrated on the 5th day of May. On this day, colorful carp images are displayed in the houses symbolizing the strength of spirit and courage. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The cherry blossom festival “Hanami” enjoys the love of the Japanese who are extremely sensitive to the process of observing flowering trees. Sakura blooms lasts for only a few days and when the cold comes, the flowering period lasts only a few hours. In addition to natural beauty, the locals see a profound meaning in this, which consists of the fragility and transience of human life. Sakura’s blooming begins at different times in different cities. Officially, the beginning of the holiday is announced when the first flower blossoms in the trees near the ancient Buddhist shrine of Yasukuni in Tokyo. This usually occurs in the middle or end of March.

On July 7th, Tanabata known as the Star Festival is held in Japan. According to legend, it was on this night that the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi (represented by the Weaver Stars (Vega) and Cowherd Star (Altair)) who were previously separated by the Milky Way meet just once a year. The Japanese write down their wishes on paper tapes which they subsequently tie around the stems of wild bamboo. The Buddhist Obon Festival is a three-day celebration (August 13-15) dedicated to the commemoration of the dead. The Japanese believe that on these nights, the souls of the dead come to visit the living. During this time, festive services are held in temples. Refreshments are exhibited at the home altars and lights are lit at the entrances to the houses. They believe that by doing this, the soul can go to their light. In the evenings, traditional ritual dances are held in the Parks. The end of the holiday is marked with a ceremony of floating lanterns when a lot of paper lanterns with candles inside float on the water to lead the souls of the deceased back to the realm of the dead.