Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Hatuhinode(the first sun rise) picture from here


A Happy New Year everyone!
I DO wish you all start wonderful year 2013☆☆☆

*New year flower arrangement*
This is the new year flower arrangement I did last year end. We decorate them inside of the front door or Tokonoma (alcove). So sorry for arranging my own way, "haha I've never learned" and poor picture, , p;)



*Shimekazari "しめ飾り"* 
On the porch of the entrance door of the almost all the house, these shimekazari is decorated. (rather cute and gorgeous, haha) form this page.  It has the same role as the shimenawa from the Shinto shrines - to keep the bad spirits away as well as welcoming God. You can read more detail from this page.











*Year-Crossing Soba-Noodles 
We have a custom eating year-crossing soba-noodles 「年越し蕎麦」 for new year's eve dinner.  For most Japanese families, having this soba-noodle with family member quietly at home means to greet a happy next year. There are several theories for how this custom started like the link explains, but the most popular one would be "wishing to have a thin long happy life" year-crossing noodles (link) 
(Commonly, Soba-noodle not Udon-noodle. Mine doesn't look tasty but home-made soup is yummy, hehe) 
    My Kake-Soba (with soup type and different from the one in my soba link) 
(cooked beef, mushroom and processed-fish and so on are on top)

























*Osechi (New Year Dish)
Osechi-ryōri (御節料理 or お節料理) are traditional Japanese New Year Dish. The food are put into special boxes called jūbako (重箱). There are various BEAUTIFUL ones. Although pictures (from pc) are rather gorgeous than my late Mom's old-day's home-made one, I DO remember my Mom making these dish and helping her; enjoyed nibbling while cooked, haha. And after she passed away, my late bro bought rather expensive one and brought to us with father and ate all together.    Oh, how I reminisce these days...


So sorry for my long post today and I know my old friends are already familiar with this topic(^^;)  Thank you very much for reading♡♡♡  Visiting you after come back from the shrine.

  

10 comments:

  1. i really like the wreaths for the doorway and the beautiful dishes, too. really nice traditions.

    we have 5 hours to go before we hit 2013 here. thank you for your friendship and blessings. love to you!

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  2. The flower arrangements are all so lovely, Miyako. Happy New Year to you, and I hope 2013 is filled with peace and joy for you. xo

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  3. i enjoyed every word!! wasn't long at all!!! i love learning about your culture Miyako san!!!
    we have not welcomed the New Year here yet...but,since you have..i shall toast it now for my dear Japanese Friend!!!!
    may 2013 bring you happiness,joy,good health and good fortune!!!
    xoxox

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  4. Dear Miyako,

    Your flower arrangements are so beautiful and also enjoyed reading more of your ways and culture.
    Thanks for sharing this.
    Wishing you a happy new year and may 2013 be one of good health, happiness and oodles of joy for you.

    hugs
    Carolyn

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  5. Happy new year, Miyako san!! Your flower arrangement is lovely - just like yourself! I used to eat toshikoshi-soba every year when I was in Japan. Well, actually, I had soba for new year's eve dinner today! But no plan for osechi.
    I wish you enjoy oshogatsu with osechi and omochi :-) Wishing you and your family a wonderful year!!

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  6. Dearest Miyako san,
    Happy New Year to you both! Special post again. Love your flower arrangement, especially with all the real flowers and greens! Lovely wreaths and yummy food. I am stuffed from a 5-course New Year's Eve dinner... We went with my Thai born friend and her American husband and did go to their home afterward. I need to go to bed now; first time in 2013.
    Hugs to you,
    Mariette

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  7. Hello Miyako

    Wow those flowers are lovely
    and the food looks delicious too Yum!

    I am sorry that I haven't been to visit you in a while but I have had no computer

    I would just like to wish you and your husband a
    very happy and healthy 2013

    Fiona

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  8. Dearest Miyako,
    The flower arrangement are so pretty..and the new year dish...Oh my God
    I miss them madly Japanese food
    I love them crazy
    that soba looks yummy
    HAPPY NEW YEAR to you
    Best wishes for you and family
    love to you

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  9. Dear Miyako,
    I find these traditions so fascinating! I love the way Japanese food is put into sections. I would love to try it. Happy New Year, I hope it's wonderful for you xxxx

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  10. Happy New Year to Dear Miyako san,
    Your mothers' Osechi must have been wonderful.When I was young,I learned how to cook osechi from mother-in-law. During my children were students I cooked it by myself. But rately I buy it and enjoy its taste. So I could get more free time on New Year's Eve.

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