*Shimekazari
We decorate outside of the entrances of our houses with "shimekazari" about 10days "before year-end and new-year" to ward off evil spirits, I thought it is kind of similar to the western Christmas Wreath. (pictures frrom pc)
We decorate outside of the entrances of our houses with "shimekazari" about 10days "before year-end and new-year" to ward off evil spirits, I thought it is kind of similar to the western Christmas Wreath. (pictures frrom pc)
*New year flower arrangement
This is the new year flower arrangement I did. We decorate them inside of the front door or Tokonoma (alcove) which is a traditional Japanese room where art or flowers are displayed. (I haven't learned and just arranged them on my own way p;)
*Year-Crossing Soba-Noodles (from soba noodle link page)
We have a custom eating it as year-crossing soba-noodles 「年越し蕎麦」 for new year'eve dinner. For most Japanese families, having this soba-noodle with family member quietly at home means to greet the happy next year. There are several theories for how this custum 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 is eaten not Udon-noodle)
*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 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 togather.
Oh, how I reminisce these days...
Year-end and and new-year meal time is definitely we need our family member to enjoy togather!!! I DO hope everyone will have happy new year with your family. Early post from Japan, (19:00 31st) See You in 2 days, I'll be busy having guests and visiting to a shrine.
Dear Miyako - I do enjoy hearing about all these Japanese traditions, and I'm sure all your other friends will as well. This is definitely a time for reminiscing, isn't it, and thinking of loved ones that are no longer with us. Your celebration meal looks wonderful, and I hope that you and your friends will have a lovely time this evening. May I wish you and hubby a very happy, healthy and peaceful new year my dear friend. What a pleasure it has been, getting to know you during this past year. Sending love from West to East.
ReplyDeleteDear Miyako: Oh, Diane has got it absolutely right! I LOVE learning about all of your traditions and customs and this post was VERY interesting. Your flower arrangement is beautiful. You don't need any 'lessons'!! The best arrangements come from the heart. I know this will be a sad time for you, with your family members no longer around to share in these festivities, but I know you have so many fond and happy memories of times past, when you were able to celebrate together, and I hope you and your hubby enjoy a peaceful and comforting weekend, seeing in the new year.
ReplyDeleteBig hug, Desiree xoxo
My dear friend, what an intersting post. I really am enjoying learning about the customs and traditions that are part of your culture. Your flower arrangment is lovely and an example of what I told you about your talent coming through in various ways. The food in the boxes looks too pretty to eat but I wouldn't mind trying some of it. I want to wish you and your hubby a happy and prosperous new year. Love from your friend, Maddy
ReplyDeleteWhat a rich, interesting post, dear friend Miyako! The flowers are lovely and I truly enjoyed reading about the traditions. I also loved the meaning in the noodles "wishing to have a thin long happy life". I hope your 2012 is the most prosperous one yet, sweet friend!
ReplyDeleteMiyako, HAS ALWAYS!!!! very interesting and I love your decor for the ending and beginning of the New Year....May you be abundantly blessed with peace and joy above all things! Thankful I have been led to you as a dear precious blog friend....Hugs from Arkansas USA! Happy New Year to you and yours ...
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year my friend! I love reading about and learning about your customs. Even though my DIL is Chinese, I have learned more about your culture than I know about hers.
ReplyDeleteI love the pictures and your flower arrangement is beautiful!
Have a blessed day.
Dear Miyako, It's so lovely to hear about the Japanese traditions. The flower arrangements are so beautiful. Wishing you a happy new year my friend!
ReplyDeleteMy dear friend Miyako, what a lovely post. I always enjoy learning about your traditions. Your flower arrangements turned out beautifully. The boxes with food are so interesting and lovely to look at, even better to eat! Happy, healthy New Year to you and your husband. Looking forward to many happy visits here. I am so glad to have met you in this wonderful place called Blogland. ((hugs)) xo
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you and I hope 2012 is everything you want it to be your flower arrangements are lovely. I do love reading about your traditions.....
ReplyDeleteThank you for showing us your New Year traditions. You arrange flowers beautifully! The food looks so delicious and so lovely in their boxes.
ReplyDeleteI hope this new year is a happy one for you and your husband, dear friend. Hugs and love to you!
Happy new year, Orchid san! Your flower arrangement is beautiful! You have not learned...well, I love your way!
ReplyDeleteI have not had osechi for a long time.. My mom always cooked tsukune for new year. I don't remember if it was part of osechi or individual dish, but I always enjoyed it :-)
Orchid san, I wish you and your family a very happy new year!
Miyako-san,
ReplyDeletesuch a beautiful flower arrangement!
The boxes with the food look too pretty to eat!! It is one thing I so admire about Japanese culture..you take the time to make everything so pretty..presented in such a lovely way!
Your traditions are so wonderful!!
Enjoy your guests!!
Happy New Year from Southern California...it's only 3:15 pm here..a ways to go for us!!
xo
Miyako, it is I that has been blessed from above...with your friendship and your blog...You are such a wonderful lady full of excitment, full of giving, and totaly of interest...love your blog which is a reflection of the inward you! It is 2012...you are the first I have spoken to as of yet! Happy 2012 ...TODAY! .
ReplyDeleteDearest Orchid, the shimekazari are lovely. To keep away evil is a wise action indeed! Your flower arrangement is exquisite. So very beautiful. I love all of these customs and do so agree that good food is wonderful to keep family together. Sending my humblest thank you for the gift of your beautiful friendship and I hope we remain for many years to come. Happy New Year, my dear friend.
ReplyDeleteOnce again, it is a joy to read about your holiday customs. I love the flower arrangement you made - it's lovely! The boxes of food look yummy and I love the candies! Quite a treat getting to read your posts!
ReplyDeleteThe new year is nearly one week old, but I still wanted to stop by and wish you a Happy New Year, with lots of creativity, good health and joy! I'm so sorry I didn't get here sooner.
ReplyDeleteThis post is wonderful Miyak. It's so lovely to hear about the Japanese traditions.
Your celebration meal looks delicious and I love your flower arrangement.
All my best wishes
Gaby