VOL.199 JANUARY 2025
[NEW YEAR'S ISSUE 2025] CELEBRATING A BRIGHT NEW YEAR IN JAPAN
The Significance and Spirit of Shitsurai in Japan’s New Year
An example of New Year decorations based on the concept of shitsurai in a Japanese home’s tokonoma.*
Photo: Shitsurai Sanzen
Japan has a rich tradition of seasonal events passed down through generations. The practice of beautifying indoor spaces during these occasions is known as shitsurai. We spoke with YAMAMOTO Michiko, a leading expert in the study and practice of shitsurai, to learn more about these New Year decorations in Japan.
Photo: Shitsurai Sanzen
In Japan, seasonal events are observed throughout the year, such as New Year celebrations in January, Doll Festival (or Girls’ Day)** in March, and Boys’ Festival (or Tango no Sekku)*** in May. According to YAMAMOTO, the Japanese have traditionally valued the practice of shitsurai, which involves arranging and beautifying indoor spaces for such occasions. “New Year’s is a traditional event held on January 1, where families welcome Toshigami-sama (New Year’s deity, see “The Origins and Significance of Japan’s New Year’s Culture”) into their homes and offer sake and festive dishes. To greet Toshigami-sama with a refreshed and clear mind for the new year, shitsurai involves preparing the home and decorating with items such as kadomatsu****.”
In Japan, traditionally, around December 13, people begin their major housecleaning***** in preparation for the New Year. December 29 is a day off for rest, and on December 30, decorations are put up, which is the usual custom. Each of these dates carries its own significance.
Photo: Shitsurai Sanzen
“December 29 is avoided for New Year preparations because the pronunciation of ‘29’ in Japanese includes the sound ‘ku,’ which is associated with the word ‘kurushimu’ (meaning suffering or hardship). It is customary to finish decorating for the New Year by December 30. Decorating on December 31, the day before New Year’s Day, is considered too close to the arrival of the gods, which may lack sincerity and is seen as unfavorable. Specific examples of shitsurai include kadomatsu (New Year pine decorations) and kagami mochi (mirror-shaped rice cakes). Kadomatsu consists of two pine trees placed at the entrance or on either side of the gate, with traditional decorations made of straw****** hanging from them. The word ‘matsu’ (pine) shares the same pronunciation as ‘matsu’ (to wait), symbolizing the anticipation of Toshigami-sama’s visit. Also, because pine is an evergreen tree, it is often used in New Year decorations as a symbol of longevity and eternal life,” says YAMAMOTO.
“Kagami mochi******* are displayed in the tokonoma or entrance (see photo). The shape of kagami mochi is modeled after ancient mirrors, which were considered sacred in Japan as they were believed to house the gods. So, kagami mochi symbolizes the welcoming of Toshigami-sama for the New Year and is offered as a tribute to the gods. Stacking two mochi cakes represents the ideas of ‘increasing fortune’ and ‘growing gracefully with the passing years,’ while also symbolizing the balance of yin and yang, as well as the sun and moon.”
Photo: Shitsurai Sanzen
In addition to kagami mochi, it is also considered good to decorate with special flowers or fruits to add a festive touch to New Year’s decorations.
“For example, decorating with large citrus fruits******** is a lovely tradition, as they symbolize a wish for good luck, linked to the Japanese term ‘daikichi,’ which means ‘great fortune.’ The red and white sprouting radish (see photo) also carries meaning, as it plays on the word ‘omedeto-gozaimasu,’ which means both ‘congratulations’ and ‘sprouting,’ symbolizing new beginnings and growth. Seasonal plants such as willow, pine, camellia, nandina, narcissus, lilies, and chrysanthemums are also used to celebrate the New Year and are considered symbols of good fortune.”
Photo: Shitsurai Sanzen
YAMAMOTO says that when visitors from overseas have the opportunity to experience shitsurai in Japan, she hopes they will take a moment to reflect on the meaning behind each decoration and understand the spirit and intention behind it. “By tidying up the room, cleaning, watering the garden, and cleansing impurities, we prepare to welcome the New Year with a clear mind, alongside the gods. This practice has nurtured the Japanese spirit. Shitsurai carries the hope that the coming year will be a good one, a tradition that has been passed down through generations.”
* In Japanese architecture, a tokonoma is an alcove raised slightly higher than the rest of the room, where items such as hanging scrolls, ornaments, and flowers are displayed. It was developed during the medieval period with the evolution of shoin-zukuri (traditional style of Japanese residential architecture) and became an important feature of room decor in the early modern period.
** A Japanese tradition celebrated on March 3 to wish for the happiness and healthy growth of girls. It is also known as ‘Hina Matsuri’ (Doll Festival) or the ‘Peach Festival,’ during which dolls are displayed and special foods are enjoyed.
*** Tango no Sekku (Boys’ Festival, Boy’s Day or Children’s Day) on May 5 is a tradition to celebrate the birth of boys and pray for their healthy growth. It is customary to display dolls, armor, and carp-shaped streamers.
**** Kadomatsu is displayed at the gate or entrance as a marker to welcome the gods into the home for the New Year. It typically uses pine, bamboo, and sometimes plum, symbolizing prosperity and longevity for the coming year. Kadomatsu is often placed in pairs, with bamboo at the center, and the height and cutting style of the bamboo hold specific meanings.
***** Cleaning the dust and dirt from indoor spaces, kamidana (shrine), butsudan (Buddhist altar), and other areas to purify them. It also signifies purifying the home to welcome the gods.
****** Rice or wheat stalks that are harvested and dried.
******* Food made by steaming glutinous rice and then pounding it until it becomes sticky. The resulting mochi is divided into large and small pieces, rounded, and stacked to create the decorative mirror-shaped mochi known as kagami mochi.
******** Fruits like buntan and banpeiyu (types of pomelo), as well as oniyuzu (Japanese citron), are commonly used for decoration. All of these fruits are known for their large size.
By MOROHASHI Kumiko
Photo: Shitsurai Sanzen
