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 Why do Japanese people wear masks (Omen) in festivals?

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 Why do Japanese people wear masks (Omen) in festivals?

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Japanese people used to believe that human beings could become something other than human: animals, gods, and spirits. To transform to one of those shapes, they used to cover their faces with masks. Recently, there are several kinds of masks that are different from the traditional ones like the new popular anime characters for kids.

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The photo above shows the stalls at the Saito Flower Festival, which you can see that many visitors came to enjoy them.

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Let’s grab a bite in a Japanese festival!

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Let’s grab a bite in a Japanese festival!

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The origin of Japanese festival food stalls (Yatai) dates back to around the 1700s in the Edo period, giving them a history of more than 300 years. It is said that stalls appear at festivals because the gods like places where many people gather. These stalls, offer quick-to-serve fast foods such as grilled squid, yakisoba, Takoyaki, and candied fruits, are loved by many people.

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Foundation Day is celebrated on February 22 each year.

It marks the founding of the first Saudi state in 1727 by Imam Muhammad bin Saudin Diriyah.

The goal was to unify tribes, create stability, and build an Islamic state in the Arabian Peninsula

Later, this foundation led to the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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To honor the origins of Saudi identity (not just oil or modern unification)

To celebrate culture, heritage, and unity across all regions.

To remind people of the country’s long history before 1932 (when the modern Kingdom was founded)

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- Each region has unique traditional clothing showing climate, culture, and lifestyle.

Najd (Central): Long flowing thobes, bisht (cloak), ghutra (headscarf)

Hijaz (West): Colorful dresses for women, turbans and light fabrics for men.

Eastern Province: Embroidered dresses, jewelry, lighter fabrics (humid climate).

South (Asir & Jazan): Bright, patterned clothing, headpieces, often more colorful.

Idea: Shows diversity + unity different styles but all under one identity.

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Najd (Central): Jareesh (crushed wheat with meat or chicken).

Hijaz (West): Saleeg (rice with milk and chicken) + Mandi.

Eastern Province: Shrimp kabsa or seafood dishes (because of the Gulf)

South (Asir, Jazan): Areeka (bread, honey, dates, cream) and spicy dishes

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The Lantern Festival is on the fifteenth day of the first month in the lunar calendar. One special food  is sweet dumplings. They are round and made of sticky rice. The round shape means family unity and happiness. Eating these mean hope for a sweet and bright new year.

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Miyazaki Gourmet and Lantern Night was held on August 1-17, 2025. Approximately 10,000 colorful lanterns were displayed, giving a fantastic color to Miyazaki's night. More than 60 gourmet stores from all over Japan, including those from Miyazaki were all serving different kinds of food.

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Many festivals in Japan are held in summer, but there are also wonderful ones in spring. Saito Flower Festival (Saito Hana Matsuri) was held in Saito City, Miyazaki Prefecture, from March 28 to April 6, 2025. The festival features 2,000 cherry blossom trees and 300,000 rapeseed blossoms, making spring the most beautiful season in the city. During the festival, visitors can also enjoy illuminated cherry blossoms at night.

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At night, people hang colorful lanterns in the streets, parks, and homes. Many lanterns have beautiful shapes, like animals and flowers,

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Many people play a game called “guessing lantern riddles.” Local stores write riddles on small notes and put them on lanterns. Visitors try to guess the answers. If they guess correctly, they can get a small prize. like candy, a little toy, or a small keychain.

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People also put floating lanterns on rivers or lakes. When the lanterns shine in the dark, they look like stars on the water. People believe it brings good luck and makes wishes come true.

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Link: https://padlet.com/zzcfc/japanese-festival-u104ulddhxb50ycg