“Saisen Bako” – Offer Troy Box
Photo by Tomoko
Saisenbako, the offertory box, caught my eyes at Imamiyaebisu shrine
Visitors pray by throwing money into Saisenbako to pay to the gods that they might be safe that year, and that their wishes might be granted.
All over Japan, whatever shrine you go to, the line of worshippers never ends at the beginning of the year. So, the regular size of Saisenbako is not big enough during a New Year’s celebration. A Saisenbako is changed into the special huge Saisenbako garden, trying not to miss any worshippers’ money.
Nevertheless, visitors only offer a little bit of money.
That’s just what you’d expect from Osaka people.
Photo by Tomoko
Photo by Tomoko
“Ebessan”
Photo by Tomoko
Imamiya Ebisu Shrine is called “Ebessan” and located in Naniwa, Osaka.
People visit there to pray for good business between January 9th and 11th.
I went there to pray for my prosperity in business, Hmm…..I do have my own business yet.
Photo by Tomoko
Photo by Tomoko
Japanese Stall “En-nichi”
Shominshorai
Shinano Kokubunji Temple
“Yokado ennichi” is stands are set up on the street at Shinano Kokubunji Temple in Nagano prefecture on January 8th.
It is a traditional event since 14th century and identified as intangible cultural property. One of the most of popular street stalls is “shomin shorai” or a charm against bad luck.
If you are Nagano on the day, you should get one.
Nanakusa Gayu
Seven Vernal Flowers
“Nanakusa Gayu” or “Rice porridge with seven herbs” on January 7 ” Nanakusa Gayu” is a custom handed down from the 10th, the Heian period. On the morning of January, Japanese eat the porridge with seven herbs and pray for good health.
Seven Vernal Flowers (from the left side of the picture, Java water dropwort, shepherd’s purse, Jersey cudweed, common chickweed, Japanese nipplewort, turnip, and daikon)
Goyohajime
In general most of Japanese businesses, except services or retails are closed from January 1st to 3rd in Japan.
January 4th is the starting day for the New Year; it is called “goyohajime” or “sigoto hajime” or the first working day of the year.
Japanese goes to work on the day, but they do not work. They are at work for Shinto rituals. So, most female workers used to wear Kimono.
If you like to do business with a Japanese company, it is recommended that you contact them after January 5th.