This morning at UUFR the title of our service was {Celebrating the New Year in Honor of Japanese Traditions} and was lead by our music director Yuri Yamamoto. Oshogatsu is the Japanese New Year. Their New Year celebrations usually lasts any where from 5 to 6 days.
Japanese people go to their temples and praise Buddha or whatever they pray to on New Years Eve after midnight...some of us go to our churches and praise our respective Gods. There are some differences yet there are some things in many ways and beliefs that are similar.
The beginning of our service started with the 108 Tolls of Bells from the huge gong that we have that stands on the stage behind the podium. The service was filled with Japanese rituals among them was what they eat for the New Year. They eat black beans and pounded rice cakes whereas we{mostly Southerners} eat black-eyed peas and greens with corn bread.
Also the Japanese spend the first day of the New Year with family and friends just as most of us do. The day is filled with New Year's resolutions whereas with us it is filled with goals and intentions. These are just a few of the many differences yet so much same ness in the countries.
Yuri also used a drum called the Taiko to share a song with us that they sing while pounding out the rice cakes. We sing a song called Auld Lang Syne that brings in the New Year.
Celebrating the New Year in Japan also means paying special attention to the first time something is done in the New Year. This gives a sense of renewal. For example this morning at UUFR many members got together to watch the FIRST sunrise at 6:30 this morning. So all day I have been paying special attention to the firsts that have happened already today. It is amazing what firsts have happened. Also if you smile first thing in the morning it is suppose bring good luck for the year.
It was a very interesting and informative service this morning at UUFR. I enjoyed learning the customs and rituals of Japan for the New Year. Great job for everyone that was involved in the service.
Japanese for Happy New Year is : Shinnen Omedeto Gozaimasu.
These are my thoughts and feelings from Jillsville.
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