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In ancient times, the Japanese Year was based on the Chinese calendar and therefore was celebrated at the same time as the Chinese Lunar New Year.
It was in 1873 that Japan followed the Gregorian calendar, making January 1st the start of a New Year.
Still, the Japanese observe many traditions that make this festival significant.
Many Japanese make sure their friends and family have good wishes for the start of the year by sending special postcards.
And it’s helpful that the New Year is celebrated for two weeks in Japan!
On New Year's Day, children receive gifts of money that come in small decorated envelopes.
In the past, it was also the custom to give a small bag of sticky rice cakes called mochi along with an orange, called "daidai" which means "several generations".
The Japanese New Year also sees "haiku" or poetry being written with the words "first".
Homes will have decorations such as fans made of pine, bamboo and ropes to usher in happiness, health, longevity and good luck.
Fan ropes are also hung over the doors and roofs with seaweed or ferns to bring them happiness and good luck.
Paper lobsters could also decorate homes as the lobster's curved back resembles an elderly person and therefore symbolises longevity.
On December 31st, bells are rung 108 times to chase away the 108 troubles according to Buddhism and after that, there will much laughter as people believe the rings will drive away bad spirits and bring in good luck.
On the 2nd of January, the day is set for the "first writing" where each member of the family inscribes a favorite poem or proverb on a long strip of paper.
The New Year is also important for temple visits, the remembering of the dead and wishes for a year of fruitful harvest or business endeavours.
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