Oshogatsu (new year in Japan)
Happy New Year again... I guess I wrote this a lot of times to greet my friends in FB. It's still a whole New Year anyway.
And now showing you the first SUNRISE of 2010 as seen from our living room.
First SUnrise of 2010 from the Land of the Rising Sun
How did we celebrate our New Year? Indeed it was much different from the way I used to. New Year's Celebration in Japan is pretty calm and traditional. But it is most celebrated holiday. Establishments are mostly close during the first few days. Although most shopping malls are already open during the 2nd day and they're all having a BIG SALE for a week (can't wait for the winter sale on feb...)
We headed first to my mom's Parents in Law's house for a quick visit and AISATSU (あいさつ） or showing respect. They were so happy to see our lil girl in Kimono. It was a great morning. The most exciting part was when Azumi received OTOSHIDAMA from Okasan
Azumi receiving her first Otoshidama from Okasan
Otoshidama is a monetary gift placed in a small enevelope given by adults to the kids (and not so young) on New Year's Holiday. There are different colors and designs only made for Otoshidama.
What made us all even more unexpectedly excited was when Ojisan (grandfather) handed us all money as his way of appreciation.
We headed straight to my Parents In Law's after. There we had our traditional New Year's food.
me and Maru Chan
Unsweetened Mochi in a special Ozoni Soup
Another Japanese New year's custom is to eat Mochi for longer life. Just be careful not to choke when you eat this.
Visiting a Japanese Shrine or Temple is also one of the Japanese New Year's tradition. People pray for good fortunes in the coming year.
You will be able to experience a festival atmosphere with various food stands and thousands of people making wishes and purchasing lucky charms for a fortunate new year. Most atmospheric is a visit to a temple at midnight on New Year's eve, when the temple's bell is rung repeatedly.
I bought a fortune for 100yen and I picked up a good one..
After a long day, we treated ourselves with Steak dinner... this time it's not a tradition.
Happy NEW YEAR..
sorry for the long post 
More New Year's Photos Here
10 kawaii thoughts
what a nice photo..
ReplyDeleteyour celebration of new year is very beautiful sis.. esp. the otoshidama thingy..^^
ReplyDeleteOhh it´s really sweet and very lovely girly color....nice shot from the window...ja it´s lovely to wake-up when you see the sun is shining...
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing you happenings...
Napaka cute nga ni Baby Anzu sa Japanese kimono niya. Maganda nga yung kuha mo sa first rays ng sun sa first day nang bagong taon. Parang Chinese din yng tradition nang mga Japanese na nagbibigay nang small envelopes containing money. Ang ganda nang kuha ninyo habang kumakain kayo nang steak, lol. Classical talaga ang beauty mo Bambie, hindi nakakasawa. Kaya naman mahal na mahal ka nang asawa mo. Thanks for the feel good post. God bless you all always.
ReplyDeleteHappy New year!!
ReplyDeleteNice photos..
she is adorable
ReplyDeletebelated happy new year to you too girl hehehe
ReplyDeleteYou New year celeb mommy bamz was a blast, and I like your center of attraction outfit, lil dolly azumi so cute in her dress hehehe. Happy New year again mommy bambie and to your family. kisses ky lil anzu for me.
ReplyDeletelovely photos Bambie! i love how you celebrated.have a blessed year!
ReplyDeletebaby so cute in kimono..
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting and leaving a message!!★彡
Love,
Bambie (Anzu's mum)
kawaiiprincess.me ♥
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