Holidays and Major Japanese Festivals
*National Holiday
January
01:*New year's Day
People enjoy traditional foods(Ozoni). Children get money called Otoshi-Dama from family and relatives.
2nd Monday:*Coming of Age Day.
February
03:Bean-Throwing Festival
People throw beans within the home to drive demons out and bring good fortune in.
11:*National Founding Day.
14:Valentine's Day.
March
03:Doll Festival
Court dolls are displayed at home and special food is eaten. Family wish daughter's happiness.
14:White Day.
21:*Vernal Equinox Day.
April
08:Buddha's Birthday.
29:*Greenery Day
May
03:*Constitution Memorial Day.
04:*People's Day.
05:*Children's Day(Boy's Day).
samurai armor and carp streamers are displayed.
July
07:Star Festival
We celebrate the annual tryst of Altair and Vega separated by the Milky Way. We decorate bamboo branches with paper ornaments and prayer cards.
20:*Sea Day
August
13-15 obon
It is believed that ancestors returned to their houses. Many people came back to their hometowns.
September
15:*Respect for the Aged Day
23:*Autumnal Equinox Day.
October
2nd Monday:*Sports Day
November
03:*Culture Day
15:7-5-3 Festival
Girls aged 3,7,and boys aged 3,5 dressed up in new outfits and visit shrine to pray for a safe and healthy future.
23:*Labor Thanksgiving Day
December
23:*Emperor's Birthday
24:Christmas Eve
31:New Year's Eve
