Hatsumōde
Hatsumōde is a special tradition that happens in Japan on New Year's Day. It's kind of like a special trip you take to a shrine or temple to pray for good luck and happiness in the new year.
Imagine a big party where everyone is happy and excited because it's the start of a new year, just like your birthday or Christmas. People wear their best clothes, eat delicious food, and some even light fireworks. But before all that, many Japanese people go to a shrine or temple to do hatsumōde.
When you get to the shrine, you will see a big gate called torii. It's like a special entrance that marks the boundary between the ordinary world and the sacred world inside the shrine. You'll need to walk through it to get to the shrine.
Once you have entered the shrine, you'll see a big hall where people go to pray. It's usually very crowded, so you'll need to be patient and wait your turn. When it's your turn, you can toss a coin into a special box called offering box, clap your hands three times, and then make a wish.
After you've prayed, you can enjoy the festive atmosphere. You can buy special souvenirs, eat traditional Japanese sweets, or try your luck at some traditional games.
Hatsumōde is a very important event in Japan because it marks the beginning of a new year and people believe that they can start the year off on the right foot by praying to the gods at the shrine or temple.
Imagine a big party where everyone is happy and excited because it's the start of a new year, just like your birthday or Christmas. People wear their best clothes, eat delicious food, and some even light fireworks. But before all that, many Japanese people go to a shrine or temple to do hatsumōde.
When you get to the shrine, you will see a big gate called torii. It's like a special entrance that marks the boundary between the ordinary world and the sacred world inside the shrine. You'll need to walk through it to get to the shrine.
Once you have entered the shrine, you'll see a big hall where people go to pray. It's usually very crowded, so you'll need to be patient and wait your turn. When it's your turn, you can toss a coin into a special box called offering box, clap your hands three times, and then make a wish.
After you've prayed, you can enjoy the festive atmosphere. You can buy special souvenirs, eat traditional Japanese sweets, or try your luck at some traditional games.
Hatsumōde is a very important event in Japan because it marks the beginning of a new year and people believe that they can start the year off on the right foot by praying to the gods at the shrine or temple.
Related topics others have asked about: