Japan is a country with ancient traditions, which to this day are sacredly honored by all the inhabitants of this island state. Japan also has the largest number of public holidays compared to all other countries in the world. Some of these holidays may seem rather strange, but, nevertheless, they are celebrated with a special oriental sophistication. Therefore, at least an overview of what holidays are celebrated in Japan will be of interest to everyone.
National holidays in Japan
As in any country in the world, the main holidays in Japan are, first of all, national holidays: New Year (January 1), Coming of Age Day (January 15), State Foundation Day (February 11), Days of the spring and autumn equinoxes (March 21 and September 21 respectively), Greenery Day (April 29), Constitution, Leisure and Children’s Days (May 3, 4, 5), Sea Day (July 20), Honoring the Elderly Day (September 15), Sports Day (October 10), Culture Day (November 3), Labor Day (November 23) and Emperor’s Birthday (December 23). Most of these dates are simply celebrated as significant. But gifts and personal congratulations in Japan are usually done on so-called “personal” occasions (for example, birthdays).
In addition, widely, with observance of all ceremonies and rituals (some of which are more than a thousand years old!) In Japan, traditional, folk holidays are celebrated:
a special attitude in Japan towards children is expressed in the celebration on March 3 of the Day of the girl (or Doll Festival) and the Day of the boy, which coincides with the public holiday of Children’s Day;
the very spectacular and beautiful Hanami (or Flower Festival) celebrated on April 8, which is nothing more than a celebration of the birthday of the Buddha;
no less significant is the festival of lanterns, which is celebrated on August 4-7. With the onset of evening, thousands of large and small lanterns are lit on the streets of cities, solemn processions take place;
We especially revere the Chrysanthemum Festival in Japan (September 9) – one of the most ancient and significant celebrations. The chrysanthemum flower occupies a special place in Japanese culture – it is the oldest symbol of the imperial court, and is also considered the flower of longevity. On this day, chrysanthemums are used not only to create traditional flower arrangements – ikebanas, but even dishes and drinks are prepared.
Strange holidays in Japan
Among the holidays of the country the rising sun is also quite strange. For example, in Japan they celebrate Cat Day (February 22) – unofficially, but still. Quite unusually (by the standards of Europeans) Fertility Day (March 15) is also celebrated, when ceremonies of worship of male or female genital organs with all the relevant attributes take place in temples.