Koi-neko : Cats in Love

Spring is a season of love for animals.
Getting warmer and warmer, cats mew and shout seeking their lovers.
We call them "Koi-neko(=Cats in Love)", and it is a kigo for Spring.
After their love, "Kitten" is also a kigo for Spring.


Cats in Love are storm,
After they did chasing each other
I left behind them lonely

Hina Matsuri : Doll festival for girls

We have the Doll festival (=Hina Matsuri) on March 3rd.
This is a festival for young girls to wish their happiness.
At the Hina Matsuri party, we enjoy sweet sake called "shiro-sake" and rice crackers called "Hina-arare". Mother makes many dishes like "Ushio-siru"(=clam soup) and "Chirashi-sushi".

We display dolls called "Hina-ningyo" before March.
The top 2 dolls of "Hina-ningyo" are the Emperor and the Empress.
They are dressed in beautiful kimono costumes.
Hina Matusri is also called "Momo no sekku"(=peach flower festival).

We can feel happiness for coming spring with this joyful festival.


Hina dolles know everything
because I made a secret promise
with my dear friends


photo: Hina-ningyo

http://mukusuke-english.blogspot.com/2012_02_01_archive.html

Entrance exams

January to February is a high season of the entrance exams in Japan.
The entrance exams are very difficult in Japan, it is a hard time for students and their parents.
When we wish for success the entrance exam, we go to the Shinto shrine and pray.

There are many shrines in Japan, but  "Tenmangu" is the best for this purpose.
Because the god of "Tenmangu" is a "Tenjin sama" (Sugawara no Michizane) who is very famous for his talents.

At the "Tenmangu" shirine, we donate money and buy a special charm for the exam.
Some of us also buy a votive tablet("Ema") and write their wish on it.
You can see many votive tablets at the shrine.

Here is a photo of "Ema" at "Yushima-Tenjin" (Tokyo)

Setsubun : event for end of winter, beginning of spring

Today, Feb. 2nd is the day called "Setsubun".
At "Setsubun" day, people throw roasted beans in and around their house,
for out evils and call in happiness. (with shouting  "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!)
After throwing beans, we pick up them and eat one's age number of beans.

Next day of"Setsubun"is called "Rissyun", meaning the beginning of spring (according to the traditional Japanese calender).
Both "Setsubun" and "Rissyun" are important seasonal words.
They let us feel the joy of coming spring.


Voice for call in happiness
vibrant the air
making the chord of spring joy

Norie

photo:
Oni's face which symbolize the evil (on the foam of beer!)