Japan is a country with ancient traditions , which to this day are venerated by all the inhabitants of this island nation. And Japan has the largest number of public holidays, compared to all other countries in the world. Some of these holidays may seem rather strange, but, nevertheless, they are celebrated with a special eastern finesse. Therefore, at least a survey of what holidays are celebrated in Japan, will be of interest to everyone.
National holidays in Japan
As in any country in the world, the main holidays in Japan, first of all, are national holidays: the New Year (January 1), the Day of Adulthood (January 15), the Day of the State (February 11), the Days of the Spring and Autumnal Equinox (March 21) and on September 21, respectively), Green Day (April 29), Days of Constitution, Rest and Children (May 3, 4, 5), Sea Day (July 20), Day of Veneration of Older People (September 15), Sports Day (October 10) , Day of Culture (November 3), Labor Day (November 23) and the Emperor's Birthday (December 23). Most of these dates are simply marked as significant. But gifts and personal congratulations in Japan are made to do on so-called "personal" occasions (for example, birthday).
In addition, widely, with observance of all ceremonies and rituals (some of which are more than a thousand years!) In Japan celebrate traditional, folk festivals:
- a special attitude in Japan to children is expressed in the celebration on March 3 of the Day of the Girl (or the Puppet Festival) and the Day of the Boy, which coincides with the state holiday of the Children's Day;
- a very spectacular and beautiful festival of Khanami (or Festival of Flowers ), celebrated on April 8, which is nothing more than a celebration of the Birthday of the Buddha;
- no less significant and the festival of lanterns, which is celebrated on 4-7 August. With the approach of the evening thousands of large and small lanterns are lit in the streets of the cities, solemn processions are held;
- especially revered in Japan, the festival of chrysanthemums (September 9) - one of the most ancient and significant celebrations. The flower of chrysanthemum occupies a special place in Japanese culture -
it is the oldest symbol of the imperial court, and is also considered a flower of longevity. This day from chrysanthemums create not only traditional flower compositions - ikebans, but also prepare even dishes and drinks.
Strange holidays in Japan
Among the holidays of the country of the rising sun there are also rather strange. For example, in Japan celebrate Cat Day (February 22) - unofficially, but still. Quite unusual (by the standards of Europeans) is celebrated and Fertility Day (March 15), when in churches there are ceremonies of worship of male or female genital organs with all the relevant attributes.