Kobe, 1906
New Year Celebrations 9
The first meal of the year, includes a soup called zoni, which features mochi rice cakes.
Kobe, 1906
Kobe, 1906
New Year Celebrations 10
The first aisatsu (greetings) of the year. Out of this custom, the more convenient modern custom of sending New Year cards (nengajo) was born.
Kobe, 1906
New Year Celebrations 11
A woman pours a close friend of the family some sake. Entertaining close friends took place in the best room of the house, with the friend sitting in the place of honor in front of the tokonoma.
Kobe, 1906
New Year Celebrations 12
Two men are clowning around as part of the entertainment seen during Meiji Period (1868-1912) New Year celebrations.
Kobe, 1906
New Year Celebrations 13
Several men perform a shishi-mai lion dance in the courtyard of a shrine. The performers would also dance in front of the homes of the parishioners as a charm against evil spirits and disease, and to pray for good fortune.
Kobe, 1906
New Year Celebrations 14
Entertainment for the children was not forgotten during the New Year celebrations of the Meiji Period (1868-1912).