Japanese Annual Events

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Japanese Annual Events

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??????(oshoogatsu)

• New Years Holiday
• For the Japanese people the New Years holiday is
  the most important of all the annual
  celebrations.
  

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????(setsubun)

• Bean-Throwing Ceremony
• The day before the beginning of spring (old
  Japanese calendar). Japanese people throw roasted
  soy beans to drive away ONI(bad luck).

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?????(hinamatsuri)

• Girls Day Festival
• This festival is held to pray for the girls
  growth and happiness.
  

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?????(kodomonohi)

• Childrens Day
• (Tango no Sekku)
• In olden times, this festival was held to pray
  for the boys growth, happiness, and success.
  
• Now, all children are celebrated for their growth
  and happiness on this day.
  

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????(Tanabata)

• Star Festival
• (Japanese and Chinese beliefs)
• On July 7th, people write their wishes on the
  colored paper strips and attach them to the
  bamboo branches.

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(?)?? (obon)

• Bon Festival
• (Buddhist event)
• This festival is held from August 13th through
  15th.
  
• It is dedicated to the spirits of ancestors.
• Also, around this time many places hold bon odori
  (Japanese folk dance).
  

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?????(shichi-go-san)

• ( 7-5-3 Festival)
• This celebration is for 3 and 5 year old boys and
  for 3 and 7 year old girls.
  
• Parents take their sons and daughters to a shrine
  to pray for their health and growth.
  
• Children receive special candy called Chitose
  ame.