Shougatsu (New Year) and Nenmatsu (Year-End)

 

1. Today's Japanese words
   Japanese Basic Vocabulary Related to Shougatsu (New Year) and Nenmatsu (Year-End):
   shougatsu: New Year (正月)
   nenmatsu:** End of the year (年末)
   gantan:** New Year's Eve (元旦)
   jyunishi:** Zodiac animals (十二支)
   otoshidama:** New Year's money (お年玉)
   osechi-ryori:** Traditional New Year's food (お節料理)
   hatsumode:** First shrine visit of the year (初詣)
   nengajo:** New Year's greeting card (年賀状)
   kakizome:** First calligraphy of the year (書き初め)
   jishibori:** Year-end cleaning (煤払い)
   mochitsuki:** Mochi pounding (餅つき)
   kagami mochi:** Rice cakes for decoration (鏡餅)
   kado matsu:** Pine decorations at the entrance (門松)
   shimekazari:** Shinto decorations with straw rope (しめ飾り)
   bonenkai:** Year-end party with colleagues (忘年会)
   hatsuhinode:** Watching the first sunrise of the year (初日の出)
   ozoni:** Soup with mochi and vegetables (お雑煮)
   soba:** Buckwheat noodles eaten on New Year's Eve (年越しそば)
   sake:** Japanese rice wine (日本酒)
   amazake:** Sweet fermented rice drink (甘酒)
   akeooshi:** New Year's greeting (明けましておめでとうございます)
   ganbare:** Good luck (頑張れ)
   kotoshigome:** Happy New Year (今年が良い年でありますように)
   jyunji o mirite:** Good luck in the coming year (今年一年、幸運でありますように)
   etto:** Zodiac calendar (干支)
   jinkutsu:** Purification of houses and shrines (神棚)
   otoshidama:** Pocket money given to children (お年玉)
2. Today's topic
   Joya no Kane (除夜の鐘)
   is a Japanese Buddhist tradition of ringing a bell at midnight on New Year's Eve. It is a way to welcome the new year and to reflect on the past year.

The bell is rung 108 times, which is believed to represent the 108 earthly desires or delusions that humans are said to be born with. Each ring of the bell is said to eliminate one of these desires, helping to purify the heart and mind.

Joya no Kane is a popular tradition in Japan, and many people attend temples or shrines to ring the bell themselves. It is a time for reflection, prayer, and hope for the new year.

Here is a more detailed explanation of the history and meaning of Joya no Kane:

History

The tradition of Joya no Kane is thought to have originated in China during the Song Dynasty. It was brought to Japan by Zen Buddhist monks in the Kamakura period (1185-1333).

In China, Joya no Kane was originally rung to ward off evil spirits. In Japan, it came to be seen as a way to purify the mind and body and to welcome the new year.

Meaning

The number 108 is significant in Buddhism. It is believed to represent the 108 earthly desires or delusions that humans are said to be born with. These desires include greed, anger, ignorance, and attachment.

Each ring of the bell is said to eliminate one of these desires, helping to purify the heart and mind. This is believed to lead to a more peaceful and happy life.

Modern practice

Joya no Kane is still a popular tradition in Japan today. Many people attend temples or shrines to ring the bell themselves. It is a time for reflection, prayer, and hope for the new year.

Some temples and shrines offer special services for Joya no Kane. These services often include prayers, chanting, and meditation.

Joya no Kane is a beautiful and meaningful tradition that is celebrated by people of all faiths. It is a time to reflect on the past year and to welcome the new year with a clean slate.

3- Today’s news
Bell at Kyoto’s Chion-in temple ready to ring out tumultuous year
https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15098035
Priests rehearse a New Year’s Eve bell-ringing ritual at Chion-in temple in Kyoto on Dec. 27

Japan app provider user data analysis reveals top goals that fizzle out after 3 days
https://mainichi.jp/.../arti.../20231228/p2a/00m/0li/053000c
The goal that turned out to be the least successful was "quitting smoking," with 71.3% of people being unable to keep going after three days. Next in line were "going to the gym" at 65.9%, "dieting or fasting" at 63.0%, "running" at 61.3%, and "giving up drinking" at 59.5%.

Basic Japanese-1
https://youtu.be/GoD7Hov1ubY?si=WVB9OZpf_nbXEQKL

Basic Japanese-2
https://youtu.be/IKHxwSktbuA?si=XODWDSAlec_9KOvO
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