Japan And It's Culture by Gian Ras

Gian Ras Setsuban

gianster1410 — 2014-03-28 08:06:41 UTC

Setsubun(節分) is the day before the beginning of Spring in Japan. The name literally means "seasonal division", but usually the term refers to the Spring Setsubun, properly called Risshun(立春) celebrated yearly on February 3 as part of the Spring Festival(春祭haru matsuri).In its association with the Lunar New Year, Spring Setsubun can be and was previously thought of as a sort of New Year's Eve, and so was accompanied by a special ritual to cleanse away all the evil of the former year and drive away disease-bringing evil spirits for the year to come. This special ritual is called mamemaki(豆撒き) (literally "bean scattering"). Setsubun has its origins intsuina(追儺), a Chinese custom introduced to Japan in the eighth century.

Gian Ras Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival

gianster1410 — 2014-03-28 08:33:45 UTC

Lake Shikotsu is the northernmost

ice-free lake which is 363 meters deep. This festival features a moss-covered cave, which has evergreen draped on the inside and is covered in ice. This festival is held from late January to mid February. This festival features ice sculptures, small and large. At night the sculptures are illuminated by different colored lights. There is a fireworks show during the festival as well. Admission is free. Amasake (hot sake) is available for purchase to enjoy.

Gian Ras Hina Matsuri/Dolls Festival

gianster1410 — 2014-03-28 08:40:13 UTC

This is the day when families pray for the happiness and prosperity of their girls and to help ensure that they grow up healthy and beautiful. The celebration takes place both inside the home and at the seashore. Both parts are meant to ward off evil spirits from girls. Young girls put on their best kimonos and visit theirfriends' homes. Tiered platforms for hina ningyō (hina dolls; a set of dolls representing the emperor, empress, attendants, and musicians in ancient court dress) are set up in the home, and the family celebrates with a special meal of hishimochi (diamond-shaped rice cakes) and shirozake (rice malt with sake).