After stuffing ourselves full of food and candies, we ventured out to observe the Japanese custom of the New Year which invovles paying the first dues to the temple. As people lined up for the tradition (which of course we did not) there were shouts of "Happy New Year" and "Akeme" which is the coloquial Japanese phrase meaning "congratulations on the opening of the year." Strangly enough, all these shouts were directed toward the only foreigners in the area--us, so it is rather difficult to tell if these were genuine congradulations.
Here is an example of a festive New Year's bush, but not quite as festive as a Christmas Tree we would like to point out. If you look closely you will observe a cabbage in the middle of the bush.
Well, a Happy New Year to all friends and family wherever you may be!
1 comment:
Happy New Year, Travis & Angie. My card is on the way, hopefully.
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