Ōmisoka facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ōmisoka |
|
|---|---|
Shinto shrine on ōmisoka
|
|
| Official name | 大晦日 |
| Also called | New Year's Eve |
| Observed by | Japan |
| Type | Cultural |
| Significance | Preparing for the new year |
| Celebrations | Kōhaku Uta Gassen |
| Date | December 31 |
| Next time | 31 December 2026 |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Related to | Japanese New Year New Year's Eve |
Ōmisoka (大晦日) or ōtsugomori (大晦) is a special Japanese celebration. It takes place on December 31st, the very last day of the year. Long ago, it was celebrated on the last day of the 12th lunar month. When Japan started using the Gregorian calendar (the calendar most of the world uses) during the Meiji era, Ōmisoka became known as New Year's Eve. It's a time to get ready for a fresh start in the new year.
Contents
Understanding Ōmisoka: Japan's New Year's Eve
What Does the Name Ōmisoka Mean?
The last day of each month in the old Japanese calendar was called misoka (晦日). The word "miso" originally meant "thirty." Even though a month sometimes had 29 days, the name stuck.
Ōmisoka (大晦日) means the "great thirtieth day." The "Ō" (大) shows it's the very last day of the entire year. After the Meiji Restoration in 1873, Japan officially set Ōmisoka as December 31st. Another older name for this day is ōtsugomori (大晦). This comes from tsukigomori (月隠り), which means "the last day of the month."
Fun Ways to Celebrate Ōmisoka
Traditionally, people finish important tasks before Ōmisoka. This helps them start the new year feeling fresh and ready. Some of these tasks include cleaning the house thoroughly. People also used to settle any debts. It was a time for purification, like getting rid of bad luck. Taking a relaxing bath was also common. This allowed everyone to enjoy the final hours of the year.
Today, families and friends often gather for parties. Many watch a popular TV show called Kōhaku Uta Gassen (紅白歌合戦). This show, which means "Red/White Singing Battle," lasts over four hours on NHK. Sometimes, people watch big mixed martial arts events too. These customs come from ancient Japanese beliefs. People showed respect to toshigamisama (歳神様), who were gods of the current and upcoming years.
About an hour before midnight, many people eat a special meal. They share a bowl of toshikoshi soba or toshikoshi udon noodles. This tradition is about "crossing over from one year to the next," which is what toshi-koshi means. The long noodles symbolize a long life and good fortune. These noodles are often simple, with chopped scallions. In some places, people add tempura on top.
Families also prepare osechi in the days leading up to Ōmisoka. Osechi is a collection of special dishes. People eat this food during the first few days of the new year. It's a way to welcome the "deity of the year" into their homes. They also wish for happiness throughout the year.
Midnight Traditions: Shrines, Temples, and Bells
When midnight arrives, many people visit a Shinto shrine or a Buddhist temple. This first visit of the year is called Hatsumōde. Shinto shrines across Japan often prepare amazake, a sweet, warm drink. They share it with the crowds waiting for the new year.
Most Buddhist temples have a large bell called a bonshō. At midnight, this bell is rung 108 times. This tradition is known as Joya no Kane (除夜の鐘). Each ring represents one of the 108 things that can cause worries or unhappiness in human life. Ringing the bell helps people let go of these feelings. It allows them to start the new year with a clear mind.
Saying Goodbye to the Old Year and Hello to the New
When you see someone for the last time before the new year, it's polite to say, "Yoi o-toshi wo" (良いお年を). This means "Have a good New Year." The first greeting you use after the new year begins is "Akemashite omedetō" (明けましておめでとう). This means "Congratulations on the new year."
Ōmisoka is very similar to New Year's Eve celebrations in other parts of the world. It also happens at the same time as Saint Sylvester's Day, which some Christian churches celebrate.
See also
In Spanish: Ōmisoka para niños
- List of Buddhist festivals
- Japanese New Year
- Toshikoshi soba
