Archive for traditions
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Kenkoku kinen-bi: National Foundation Day
In Japan, February 11 is celebrated as National Foundation Day, Kenkoku kinen-bi (?????).
According to old Japanese mythology, the Emperor Jimmu, the first emperor of Japan, ascended to the throne and founded the Imperial line on this day. It was celebrated as kigensetsu (???), “the day of origin”, only until the end of the Second World [...]
Setsubun: The Day Between Two Seasons
Setsubun (??) literally means “the day between two seasons”. People celebrate Setsubun on either the 3rd or 4th of February, the last day of winter, and the day before the spring season on the present according to the old calendar.
Bean throwing called mamemaki (???) is done at home on the night of Setsubun. People scatter [...]
Okihiki
I came back yesterday from my second attendance to the Okihiki Festival*, in Ise and, taking into account that this event happens only twice every 20 years, who knows if it wasn’t the last…
Anyway, the locals certainly know how to enjoy the special occasion and totally ignored the ceasless pouring rain, having lots of fun [...]
Io, Saturnalia!
“It is now the month of December, when the greatest part of the city is in a bustle. Loose reins are given to public dissipation; everywhere you may hear the sound of great preparations, as if there were some real difference between the days devoted to Saturn and those for transacting business….Were you here, I [...]
