The Sai character can also be read as matsuri which means festivals. There are countless festivals held throughout Japan. Some are of Shinto origin and others are of Buddhist origin. As well as those festivals, there are others which are loosely related to rice cultivation and other such seasonal celebrations.

Shogatsu (The New Year)

The first and most important event of the year for the Japanese is Shogatsu. It is the New Year when they welcome the toshigami, the deity of the incoming year. On the first day of the New Year, many Japanese visit a shrine or temple to pray for good luck for the coming year. Many women and girls wear colorful kimonos. This is one of the few occasions during the year that many people will take part in wearing kimonos.


next >>