【December】What comes to mind? Take the Japanese winter traditions quiz!

In Japan, there is a tradition of eating pumpkin on the winter solstice. There are various theories about the reason, but it is said that people eat nutritious foods to endure the cold winter.

In Japan, there is a custom of taking a yuzu bath on the winter solstice. The scent of yuzu fills the air, and it warms the body very well. It is said that taking a yuzu bath on the winter solstice prevents colds.

In Japan, there is a custom of giving gifts to those who have helped you at the end of the year. These gifts are called ‘oseibo.’ As a token of appreciation, food and daily necessities are commonly given.

The ‘Kanji of the Year’ is announced every December by the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation. A single character that represents the year’s social climate is chosen and unveiled at Kyoto’s Kiyomizu-dera Temple, where the chief priest writes it on a large piece of paper with a brush.

The ‘M-1 Grand Prix’ is the ultimate showdown to determine Japan’s top manzai comedian, with the final competition held in December. It began in 2001 and has since produced numerous TV stars from its winners, becoming a year-end tradition.

In Japan, there is a custom of eating ‘toshikoshi soba’ on New Year’s Eve. One theory is that because soba noodles are long and thin, they symbolize extending one’s life and fortune. Another theory is that since soba noodles break easily, they represent cutting off the hardships and bad luck of the past year to welcome the new year fresh.

The 'Joya no Kane' is a bell rung at temples across Japan from New Year's Eve into New Year's Day. It is traditionally struck 108 times. This number represents the human desires and worldly passions, known as 'bonno.' It is believed that with each strike of the bell, one bonno is cleansed.