A Happy New Year (year end and new year tradition)

Wishing all of you a Happy and Prosperous New Year from Japan

*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)

*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.