Japanese culture is characterized by its uniqueness, and some of its manifestations are known worldwide—anime, karaoke, sumo, sushi, and origami. Japanese traditions such as removing shoes, bowing, or the permissible slurping and whistling reflect a deep respect for history and nature. Take a closer look at some of the Japanese traditions and find out how the Japanese celebrate Valentine’s Day and Christmas.
Japanese culture and traditions
Culture and customs in Japan are influenced by a complex history and several religions, such as Shintoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. It is thanks to Shintoism that the Japanese people worship the spirits of places (goddesses of lakes, springs, etc.). One of the most sacred mountains in Japan is Mount Fuji. In addition, the Japanese also have respect for natural phenomena due to frequent earthquakes.
Among Japanese traditions are:
- Sacred torii gates—these are traditional Japanese gates most commonly found at the entrance to Shinto shrines.
- Removing shoes—when entering a store, restaurant, or other indoor place, people remove their shoes. Many places provide designated slippers for this purpose.
Decorative cloths called furoshiki.
- Bows instead of shaking hands—Japanese people bow when greeting, shaking hands is not commonly used in casual contact. The depth of the bow expresses the level of respect for the other person. Respect can also be shown by avoiding eye contact.
- Settling all debts, promises, and agreements by the end of the year—Japanese people make sure to return borrowed money and books and fulfill their promises.
- Slurping and whistling while eating—this is a completely common Japanese custom.
- Sniffling—Japanese consider sniffing in public inappropriate, they always go, for example, to the toilet.
- Sacred shimenawa knots—these are decorations made of twisted strands of rice straw. They are often found at doors. For the Japanese people, it symbolizes happiness and helps prevent evil from entering.
- Onsen baths—these are Japanese hot springs. Before bathing in them, Japanese always shower. They often practice this at home too, where they cover the hot tub with an insulating lid. They use the hot water for several days, as they believe that hot water is for relaxation, not washing, and entering the tub unwashed is considered barbaric.
There are countless other Japanese traditions, but now let’s take a look at customs for Valentine’s Day and New Year.
Japanese Valentine’s Day traditions
Japanese Valentine’s Day is completely different because it is the women who give gifts to their significant others here. However, it’s not flowers they typically give; men most often receive chocolate. Whether it is store-bought or homemade, it doesn’t matter. The main thing here is the reason for giving. Japanese people distinguish whether the gift expresses genuine love, friendship, or respect and sympathy.
Japanese New Year’s Eve Traditions
While Japanese people don’t celebrate Christmas like Europeans, they still put up Christmas trees and sing American Christmas carols. The real celebrations, however, occur at midnight on January 1st. Bells ring out in Buddhist and Shinto shrines, and people gather to welcome the new year. On the first day of the new year, women also dress up in kimonos.
New Year’s visits and feasts continue until January 6th. Japanese culture’s food traditions include dishes like rice with adzuki beans and mochi cakes.
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