January 1 Gantan-sai
Posted on 11. Jan, 2010 by ksozenbe in Shinto
Gantan-sai (Shinto)
Japanese welcome in the New Year with prayers for renewal of hearts, good health, and prosperity. They wear their best clothes and visit shrines in large numbers–sometimes at the very stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve. During the seven days of the holiday, people visit one another’s homes to offer good wishes for the coming year.
