Japan

Japan is a great place. It has natural beauty and a very intriguing culture. A lot of people think Japan is weird but learning more about these traditions may change people's minds. Besides, every country has traditions or customs, so what makes Japan weird for having their own? I hope you enjoy this short essay about Japan's celebrations and traditions.

For example, Oshagatsu. (New Year celebrations) Oshagatsu is a holiday celebrated on January 1st, like in North America. Before the celebration however, preparations must be made. Hundreds of nengajo (greeting cards) are sent to the post office where specially selected students are chosen to deliver the nengajo the day of the celebration. The post offices aren't the only ones who prepare, homes must be cleaned thoroughly. On the day of the celebration people will go to shrines or temples to pray for good health and peace. People will also say "Akemeshite, Omedeto Gozaimasu!", which translates to "Happy New Year!"

Another holiday is setsubun, which translates to "divison of the seasons". Setsubun is celebrated on February 3rd, known as the "eve of Spring". On the day of the celebration people of all ages willo throw beans and chant "Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi!" ("out with demons in with good luck!"). The people believe that the act of doing so will drive away bad spirits. Yes this is a more so strange holiday, but think about what we do on halloween. We dress up in costumes, go to stranger's houses and ask for food. My point is that forighen customs seem very strange but we aren't all that diferent.

One other thing a lot of people thing is weird about Japan is customs. Cusoms of Japan aren't all that weird if you look at them with an opened mind. For example, bowing. Bowing is a respectful greeting. Incline in degree and length of bow inclines the respect you are adressing to the person. Bowing is an extremly important greeting you learn as soon as you start school. Another interesting custom is how you must take your shoes off when entering all homes and most buisnesses or hotels. Once you take of your shoes you can put on house-hold slippers. You must be careful however because if you wear the same slippers from the bathroom onto the carpet this is considered bad form. I will admit however this next custom is very diferent from America. At the dinner table it is actually okay to slurp ramen or hot foods. This signifies you are enjoying it and is respectful.

Overall, Japan is difrent from America but has a very vast and interesting culture. I hope this persuaded people to travel to Japan or study it. I found the customs and holidays very interesting and i hope you will too. Thank you for reading and have a nice day.