Friday 29 January 2016

New Years Day in Japan


January 1 is New Year's Day, a national holiday and one of the biggest events on the calendar of annual festivities in Japan.
 


From well before dawn on New Year's Day, people flock to shrines and temples to pray for a healthy and happy year. This is called hatsu-mode and is one of the most important rituals of the year. When we greet our acquaintances, moreover, we say "Akemashite omedeto gozaimasu  あけましておめでとうございます" (a happy new year) to convey our wishes that the year to come will be full of hope and good health.
        


Nengajo

One thing children look forward to doing on New Year morning is reading nengajo (New Year greeting cards) from friends and acquaintances.



Otoshidama

The biggest treat on New Years Day is receiving otoshidama (money given as a gift at the beginning of a year) from parents, relatives, and other adults they meet during New Year.



Daruma

On January 6 and 7 each year, a temple in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture, hosts a fair of daruma dolls. These dolls are bright red likenesses of Bodhidharma, an Indian monk who founded Zen Buddhism in the sixth century. Legend has it that the monk sat meditating in a cave for so long (nine years!) that he lost the use of his legs.
This is why the daruma doesn't have any limbs. It's a roly-poly doll that returns to an upright position when tipped over. It's also a good luck charm that helps people fulfill their wishes; it encourages us to keep working toward our own goals even when others are trying to knock us over.
A new doll doesn't have its eyes painted in yet; this is because the purchaser draws in one eye while making a wish, and draws in the other when the wish is fulfilled.

What will your goal for this year be???

 

Welcome to Year of the Monkey!
 
The general image of people in this zodiac sign is of always being smart, clever and intelligent, especially in their career and wealth. They are lively, flexible, quick-witted and versatile. In addition, their gentleness and honesty bring them an everlasting love life. Although they were born with enviable skills, they still have several shortcomings, such as an impetuous temper and a tendency to look down upon others.

  • Strengths
    enthusiastic, self-assured, sociable, innovative
  • Weaknesses
    jealous, suspicious, cunning, selfish, arrogant
 
 
Find out what year you were born in and see if the description sounds like you?
Write and tell me what you think below.

Tiger: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010 Tiger people are brave, powerful, loyal, intelligent, competent, and stubborn. Tigers make great friends. Tiger people tend not to respect their elders and that can get them in a lot of trouble.

Rabbit: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011 Rabbit people are lucky, happy, independent, affectionate, bright, ambitious, and trustworthy. Rabbit people have little interest in learning to appear smart. They simply like to know how things work.
 
Dragon: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 Dragon people are honest, full of energy, stubborn, loyal, strong, and protective. Dragon people are incredibly lucky. They love flattery, and can be attracted to bad behavior. That is their weakness.
 
Snake: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 Snake people are wise and focused. They trust their own judgment. Snake people cannot help but do their best because they hate to fail at anything. Snake people believe everyone should lend a helping hand.
 
Horse: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 Horse people are popular, cheerful, quick witted, and shy. For some reason, horse people have a great deal of trouble believing they are loved, when in fact, horse people are easy to like and love.
 
Ram (Black or Gray Sheep): 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015 Sheep people are elegant, wise, gentle, shy, and compassionate. They can be bossy, but that's because they're worried things will not get done correctly. This character trait often makes money for them.
 
Monkey: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016 Monkey people are quick, funny, nosey, clever, witty, and successful. They have wonderful memories and are well informed about everything. They tend to chatter. This does drive friends away sometimes.
 
Rooster: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017 Rooster people are early risers, proud, alert, deep thinkers and good speakers. They like to stay close to home. If you can break through their natural suspicion, they make wonderful friends.
 
Dog: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018 Dog people are loyal friends, quick to learn, eager to please, and always try to do their best. They prefer to be with people they know and like. Dog people cannot stand injustice.
 
Pig: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019 People who are born in the Year of the Pig are intelligent, sincere, brave, popular, and treat all people with great kindness. Pig people are often late and often forgetful.
 
Rat: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 People born in the Year of the Rat are famous for cheerfulness and kindness. They are generous with those they love. Rat people love to gossip. That can cost them many friendships if they are not careful.
 
Ox: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021 Ox people are easy going and have a great deal of self-assurance that helps help them to be successful. Ox people have thoughtful responses. Ox people love deeply and share their strength with those they love.

121 comments:

  1. Hi Everyone
    Welcome back to school.
    I am the year of the Pig, it says I am often late, I am never late.
    Mrs Meehan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well done! You're the first to comment. I agree, you're never late. You are intelligent, sincere, brave, popular, and treat all people with great kindness!

      Delete
  2. Konnichiwa,
    I loved reading about all of the animals. I was born in the year of the Ox. I cannot wait to see all of the monkeys this year, we have many in grade 6 this year. I loved reading about the Daruma too. Arigatou Gall Sensei.
    Pyke Sensei

    ReplyDelete
  3. Konnichiwa,
    I really enjoyed reading about the different animals. There will be lost of monkeys in Grade 6 this year. I was lucky enough to be born in the year of the Ox. I really loved learning about the Daruma too.
    Arigatou Gall Sensei.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Arigatou Pyke Sensei. Ox's are very thoughtful which sounds a lot like you :)

      Delete
  4. Hey everyone,
    I was born in the year of the Horse! It says I am both quick witted and shy. I think depending on the day that is definitely true! I am looking forward to learning more about the Monkey.
    Cheers
    Miss Volkov

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well done Volkov sensei,
      I wonder what type of animals you'll have in your class this year?

      Delete
  5. Konnichiwa,
    I get before the Magpies, I love talking and thinking and observing what's happening around me...guess what I am?
    Mrs Wilson

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Konnichiwa Mrs Wilson,
      Are you a Rooster??? Most of us are Ox's and 3 of us are tigers. Can you guess who?
      From 1W

      Delete
  6. Konnichiwa,
    I was born in the year of the pig... I think I'd rather be swinging from the trees with the monkeys than wallowing in the mud! Great blog Gall Sensei.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Konnichiwa Ms Madden
      Most of us are Roosters and we have 2 dogs. Can you guess who??
      From 5M

      Delete
  7. ウィルソン せんせい31 January 2016 at 20:40

    こんにちは みなさん!
    I am year of the Ox - it says that I am thoughtful and I have definitely thought about this response! I love deeply and spread love wherever I go. My favourite animal is the monkey so I am very excited that this year is year of the monkey!
    ありがとう.
    ウィルソン せんせい

    ReplyDelete
  8. Looks like I'm a Rabbit - Hopefully a fast one like my car :) From Mr Eden

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Konnichiwa Mr Eden, We think you look a bit like a rabbit..Can you hop??
      From 2E

      Delete
  9. Konnichiwa,
    I was born in the year of the monkey. I have only just got out of bed so at the moment I am not feeling too quick. I will look forward to seeing all the different animals in my classes to see if they fit their descriptions.


    ReplyDelete
  10. Konnichiwa everyone
    I was born in the year of the Ram, I use my compassion looking after everyone in the first aid room. I don't think I am too bossy - you should as Mrs Meehan and Mrs Lamb if that is true!
    Mrs Bradnam

    ReplyDelete
  11. Konnichiwa,
    I was born in the year of the pig, oink, oink!
    After reading my description I must admit I am always late and very forgetful.
    My girls think it is very funny that I'm a pig!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I am also a Monkey, which my husband thought was rather funny!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Konnichiwa Mrs Gardiner,
      No wonder you've been lucky to get us in your class, as it's your year!
      We do tend to be a bit funny like monkeys.
      From 4DG

      Delete
  13. I am the year of the snake and I tend to agree with the given description!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am a snake and I definitely believe that everyone should always lend a helping!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. konnichiwa Ms Redlich, Most of us think the description sounds like you, Most of us are pigs, 3 of us are rats and we have 1 dog! Can you guess who???

      Delete
  15. I am an Ox. I love you all!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. konnichiwa Mr Lucas
      Most of us are pigs, we also have 1 dog and 2 rats. We love you too..

      Delete
  16. I am a pig. OINK!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wow! There are lots of PIGS around BPS!
    I'm a Pig too and like Mrs. Robinson I have to admit that I can be late at times and maybe a little forgetful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Konnichiwa Mrs Dale,
      We do know that you forget your glasses a lot & you find out that they're on your head!
      Most of us are dogs, 2 of us are pigs and we have 2 roosters. Can you guess who?

      Delete
  18. Being a rooster doesn't make me suspicious- what are you implying? I think this is leading to something sinister!!!
    Mr Lilburne

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Konnichiwa Mr Lilburn,
      most of us are also Roosters! We have 1 monkey and 2 dogs. Can you guess who?
      From 5L

      Delete
  19. I was born the year of the dog. The dog is a loyal person and I am a loyal friend. Family and friends are the most important thing in my life and I would do anything for them. This also means I am always trying my best. I am always the first to jump in and help people around me. I am happiest when I am around like minded people. I love spending time with people I know creating long lasting memories. Dog people cannot stand injustice and that is a very true statement for me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Konnichiwa Ms Pritchard,
      Most of us are Monkeys. 2 of us are Roosters. Can you guess who??
      From 6P

      Delete
    2. Konnichiwa 6P.
      The Rosters in my classroom are Charlotte and Josh. I am very proud that I guessed this. I hope you are all working really hard towards your white belt. I am very excited to see you all receiving belts at assembly.
      From Miss Pritchard

      Delete
  20. Replies
    1. I'm also a dog woof my brothers are a pig and a dragon

      Delete
    2. I'm also a dog woof my brothers are a pig and a dragon

      Delete
  21. I was born in the year of the rooster. I certainly do like to start my day early.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Mrs Bracey

    I am a Ram!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. konnichiwa Mrs Bracey,
      We didn't realise you were a Ram! Do you say Baaaaa???? Are you really rich?

      Delete
    2. Weird, how says " Are you really rich " :0

      Delete
  23. Most of us are dogs and a few of us are pigs. We agree with our descriptions!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Miss Chudleigh
    I was born in the year of the ram. I do think I am compassionate by making sure everybody is okay. You will have to ask 2C whether I am bossy...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Konnichiwa Miss Chudleigh,
      We do think you are a little bit bossy.. and funny.
      Do you have a lot of money?
      From 2C

      Delete
  25. HI Sensei

    I love being an Ox because I am strong and very loving especially with all my family

    Cheers Caroline jane Rothberg

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Campbell Orchard 2C29 February 2016 at 18:08

      You are a fantastic Performing Arts teacher
      Campbell 2c

      Delete
  26. Konnichiwa,
    We are all pigs including Mr Prendergast! Oink Oink!! Hopefully we're not going to be late or forgetful!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I was born in the year of the pig.

    I like being born as a pig. However I am often forgetful and am trying to get better at being on time. I think buying a watch might help with this!

    Sayonara!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Konnichiwa,
    I was born in the year of the grey sheep (Ram) Interesting as I like the colour grey!
    Sheep people are elegant, wise, gentle, shy, and compassionate. However I do not feel like I am very shy!
    Sayonara 

    ReplyDelete
  29. Jesse Mier
    My mum born in the year of the horse and my dad and I were born in the year of the pig.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. konnichiwa Jesse, thanks for writing to us. if you have any pets, what year were they born in?
      Arigatou
      3P

      Delete
  30. Konnichiwa everyone!
    I was born in the year of the Horse (neigh!) and generally I like to think that I am a cheerful person! I do not think I am very shy however!

    From Miss Palermo
    Sayonara :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  32. Daisy 4F
    I am a dog, my sister is an ox, my mum is a rat and my dad is a dragon.

    ReplyDelete
  33. im a dog woof woof my two sisters are an ox and a tiger raaaaaaa

    ReplyDelete
  34. Konnichiwa students !

    I was very excited to learn about all the different animals in the Japanese calander. I was born in the year of the Pig. This doesnt sound like the most glamourous or exciting animal but I did learn that it has some wonderful traits that I hope I have some of like ..sincere, brave and treat people with great kindness. It also said that I'm often late and quite forgetful ... regretfully this is true. Have fun learning about the animal year you were born in !!!

    Mrs McSwain

    ReplyDelete
  35. Konnichiwa Mrs Weppner,
    Most of us are dogs, we have one rooster and 4 pigs. What animal are you??

    ReplyDelete
  36. Konnichwa Mrs McManus,
    Most of us are dogs, 4 of us are pigs. Can you guess who???
    From 4M

    ReplyDelete
  37. i am the year of the dog an i think i am a dog because i worry to much and i am a good friend. woof woof hoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooowl!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  38. i am the year of the dog

    ReplyDelete
  39. My year is the year of the dog and my sister is the year of the dog as well because she is my twin sister.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's the talk I like to hear, 2 dogs in the Family!!!! :)

      Delete
  40. im a dog what are you???
    -_-

    ReplyDelete
  41. I found out tonight that I'm the only Dog in my family today :(
    But a got 2 Sisters that are rats so I get to chase them around!!!!! :) :) :) :)

    ReplyDelete
  42. I was born in the year of the Rat. Squeak Squeak!

    ( But I don't like RATS!!!!! )

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am a rat, but i am not greedy!
      i don't like to chat with people. P.S Squeak Squeak!

      Delete
  43. Yes they are, but the Dogs are not!!!
    WOOF WOOF!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  44. all positives about me cause im a dog woof

    ReplyDelete
  45. im the year of the dog

    ReplyDelete
  46. i am born in the year of the dog!!! WOOF WOOF:) my sister is born in year of the monkey ooh ooh ah ah! my dad is a rat squeak squeak! my mum is a dragon rrrrroooaaarrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  47. I'm the year of the dog. My mum and puppy are both the year of the sheep and my dads a pig!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Konnichiwa Ms Cooper, Most of us are Monkeys and some of us are Roosters. What are you?

    ReplyDelete
  49. Konnichiwa Mr Jarvis,
    Most of us are Monkeys. We have 1 Rooster and 1 Ram. Can you guess who?
    From 6J

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  50. Konnichiwa,
    I was born the year of the monkey (sadu)
    Monkeys are very clever and successful just like me. My mum and my sister were both born the year of the pig and my dad is a dog.

    ReplyDelete
  51. konnichiwa,
    I was born in the year of the monkey.
    the monkey sounds a bit like me i can have a pretty good memory but other things I'm not so sure about.
    my mum is a dragon, my sister is a dog and my dad is a rat.

    ReplyDelete
  52. im a monkey and the rest of my family are pigs! :] jazzy 6C

    ReplyDelete
  53. Konichiwa,
    I was born in the year of the sadu!
    I believe that the monkey is the best that applys to me out of all of the animals.
    Go MONKEYS!!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Konnichiwa
    I was born the year of the Rooster.
    Roosters are deep thinkers and good speakers witch I think is like me a lot.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Konichiwa,
    I was born in the year of the Monkey, my mum was born in the year of the Rabbit, my brother was born in the year of the Dragon, my dog was born in the year of the Snake and my dad was born in the year of the Horse. most of these match our personalities but Dad's doesn't.

    ReplyDelete
  56. I am a pig oooooooooooooiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnk

    ReplyDelete
  57. I am a rat but I don't like to gossip and I like being cheerful

    ReplyDelete
  58. i am a rat - but i do not like them

    ReplyDelete
  59. konnichiwa Gall Sensei, 3P and 6C. Myself(Indi), mum and dad we are all piggies!And I(jazzy)am a monkey. our dog Roxy is a dragon and we all suit our zodiac animals very well.Except I(Jazzy)wish I was a horse because I love horses.From Jazzy 6C and Indi.K 3P!

    ReplyDelete
  60. Konnichiwa Ms Hulls,
    Most of us are Roosters and we have 2 dogs. Woof woof!!
    From 5H

    ReplyDelete
  61. hi GallSensei,
    it is Naomi from 5M here on your blog it is an amazing blog and you have done very good work on it.:)

    ReplyDelete
  62. Mum is a monkey, Dad is a rabbit and my brother and I are Roosters

    ReplyDelete
  63. Konichiwa,
    i was born in the year of the Rooster! my sister is a tiger! you're a GREAT japanese teacher:)

    ReplyDelete
  64. I am a DOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My brother is a RAT. My mum is a TIGER and my dad is a MONKEY like this year, he will have a lucky year!!!!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am a Dog too

      Delete
    2. Dogs are awesome! I am a dog as well.

      Delete
  65. I am a RAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My sister is a DOG my Mum is a tiger and my Dad is a monkey like 2016!!!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Campbell Orchard 2C29 February 2016 at 18:01

      I am a rat too!!!!!!!!!!
      your friend CAMPBELL!!!

      Delete
  66. Hi Gall Sensei,
    I'm a monkey i do tend to chat a lot but I'm also quick, funny, a bit nosey, very clever, witty and very successful but Im not boastful.
    From Matilda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Campbell Orchard 2C1 March 2016 at 19:41

      Hi Gall sensei,
      I am a rat I like cheese!!!
      my Sister Bella a rooster
      my other sister Chloe is a horse and my dog Toby
      my Mum is a Rat too
      My Dad is a Dog

      Delete
  67. I am a dog( and where AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree dogs ARE awesome!!!!!!!!!!!

      Delete
  68. HELLO!!!!!!!

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  69. konichiwa,
    I was born the year of the rooster (2005) , my younger sister is a tiger (2010)and my older sister is a ram (2003)

    ReplyDelete
  70. hi gall sensei, i'm a rooster with y mum, my dad is a monkey,beth is a sheep and megan is a snake.
    from Alice 5L

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  71. Steven is a rat so is my dad, Paul is a rabbit, Mum is a dog and I am a ROOSTER!!!!!!!!YAY!

    ReplyDelete
  72. KONICHIWAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! Gall Sensei! My dad and Steven are rats, My Mum is a dog, Paul is a rabbit and I am a ROOSTER!!!!YAY!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  73. Konichiwa,
    My mum is a dog, my sisters a horse, my dads a snake and I'm a rooster. ;]

    ReplyDelete
  74. I AM A DOG WOOF WOOF!!!!!!!Mum is a pig, Zo is a ox and Dad is a monkey:) IZZY 4F

    ReplyDelete
  75. Hi Gall sensei,
    I am a rooster, my sister Chloe and my dog Toby are a horse, my Dad is a dog and my brother Campbell and My mum is a rat. Bella Orchard 5L

    ReplyDelete
  76. Maddie/Jonsey in 3AH22 February 2016 at 19:39

    Hi Gall sensei,
    I'm born in the year of the Pig.
    Some of the comments on the zodiac website I don't believe are well true apart from a couple!

    ReplyDelete
  77. AJ alee jones in 6C22 February 2016 at 19:44

    Hi Gall sensei,
    I cant wait until I achieve my white belt.
    I'm a Monkey. I believe the the zodiac is exact things that describe me.
    I love being the year of the monkey, because it enables me to be aloud to swing among all the tree's in the jungle

    ReplyDelete
  78. こんにちは!
    I'm いとうまりこ(Mariko Ito), an assistant Japanese teacher two years ago.
    And I was born in the year of dog.
    I really remember and love this lesson.
    Have fun Gall Sensei's wonderful lessons!
    べんきょうがんばってね!

    ReplyDelete
  79. こんにちは、まりこせんせい
    久しぶりですね!おげんきですか?

    ReplyDelete
  80. William Maddern 2B24 February 2016 at 16:27

    HIIIIIIIIIII

    ReplyDelete
  81. konnichiwa. I am a monkey and my brother is a ram. My personality is similar to the monkey and my brother's is completely different.

    ReplyDelete
  82. I am born in the year of the pig! I am mostly like a pig but not always.

    ReplyDelete
  83. Im a Dog WOOOOOOOF my Mums a pig Oing Oing and my Dads a Ram Baa Baa -_-

    ReplyDelete
  84. I'm am dog my dads a dragon, my sister is a rat and my mum and other sister are rabbits

    ReplyDelete
  85. I am a dog my dads a dragon my sister is a rat and my mum and other sister are rabbits

    ReplyDelete
  86. This is a very cool blog, Gall sensei! I am a dog, my mum and sister are Rams.

    ReplyDelete
  87. I am a dog woofy woof and my mum is a monkey and dad is a monkey too. Zander

    ReplyDelete
  88. Campbell Orchard 2C29 February 2016 at 17:56

    hi Gall sensei,
    I am a rat I was born 2008!
    see ya later Campbell Orchard 2c

    ReplyDelete
  89. I am a dog my sister is a monkey my dad is a snake and my mum is a horse

    ReplyDelete
  90. I am a dog my sister and mum are Rams and my dad is a tiger.

    ReplyDelete