In Japan, the New Year period beginning on 1 January is said to be the most important event of the year. Many shops and companies close, and families gather and spend the days quietly.
At New Year people eat a special set of dishes called "osechi". Each dish packed into the tiered boxes is said to carry a wish for health or happiness.
At the end of the year, people prepare postcards called "nengajo". They are sent early so that they arrive on New Year's Day, and those who receive them remember the sender as they read the greetings.
During the first three days or so there is also the custom of visiting a shrine or a temple. This is called "hatsumode", and long queues sometimes form in front of the torii gate.
出典: Kanjiyo biên soạn
JLPTレベル別・数字は出現回数
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