New Year or Oshogatsu, is the most celebrated festivity of the year here in Japan. It is associated with farming and the changes of season. We begin the New Year´s eve by listening to the striking of the joya no kane (end of the year bell) from our nearby Buddhist temple. When hearing the striking of the bell, we leave behind us the 108 bonno, the wordly concerns of the previous year. The last bell is struck at midnight symbolizing a new beginning and starting off a prosperous and joyous new year. The Japanese New Year´s holiday lasts for three days. 
At this time of the year, houses are cleaned, and you visit the family shrine before breakfast with ozone, soup. You cheer the New Year with otoso, sake, which is supposed to bring good health. Many of the symbols of New Year are related to the Shinto or Buddhist traditions of Japan.
A kudomatsu or gatepine, is an arrangement of pine, bamboo and plum blossom, with the intention to ward off evil. The pine represents strength, longevity and optimism. The bamboo symbolizes resilience and rapid growth with its straight and unbending qualities. And, the apricot or plum blossom symbolizes steadfastness. The hope is that the upcoming year will bring health, long life and strength.
Finally, the shimenawa, rice straw, indicates a sacred area according to the Shinto tradition. It´s believed that no evil will pass beyond this line.
The most important colours are red and white, symbolizing innocence and purity. The red colour represents the sun and its energy.
Every-Other-Day By Anne 