Ōmisoka, celebrated on Dec. 31, is a cherished Japanese tradition that holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. The word “Ōmisoka” translates to “New Year’s Eve,” and the day is marked by various customs that bridge the old and the new.
Rooted in Shinto and Buddhist traditions, Ōmisoka is a time for reflection, cleansing, and preparing for the arrival of the new year. Many Japanese families engage in a thorough cleaning called “osouji,” symbolizing the purification of the past year’s impurities and making way for a fresh start.
As evening approaches, it is common for families to gather and share a bowl of toshikoshi soba, buckwheat noodles that symbolize longevity and the crossing from one year to the next. The sound of temple bells, known as “joya no kane,” rings out 108 times across the country, representing the 108 human sins in Buddhism and serving as a means to purify the soul.
Ōmisoka exists to honor traditions, express gratitude, and welcome the new year with a clean slate. It encapsulates the Japanese spirit of harmony, renewal, and the profound connection between the past and the future—a time when communities come together to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the dawn of new possibilities with joy, gratitude, and a sense of cultural continuity.
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