The Traditions of Japan

The traditions of the Japanese can be reflected in their traditional clothing. With a rich history that dates back into the 8^th century, the kimono is a traditional clothing that has transcended time and changing fashion trends to remain as an outfit that is commonplace in modern Japan. Kimono literally translates into “Something to wear”, and has a variety to it, ranging from the yukata for bathroom-wear to the houmongi that serves as visiting-wear. The kimono is worn with an “Obi”, a long piece of linen that serves as a sash, and with “Geta”, traditional wooden sandals that go along with the kimono. The colors and patterns on the kimono differ from season to season, as well as the status of the wearer. Married females tend to wear darker colored kimonos.

A traditional kimono with Spring colors.   "Stunning"

Source: http://en.secretchina.com/lifestyles_entertainment/3735.html

Traditions also apply heavily on the public holidays of the Japanese society. A more famous festival that has gained popularity even in other countries would be the Bon Odori festival. The Bon Odori festival takes place on a particular week in August; this week is called the “bon week”, which Japanese superstition believes is the week when ancestral spirits come back to the plane of the living. The Bon Odori festival is then a warm festival in memorial of the ancestors, where the Japanese would don their traditional kimono and dance to traditional music in the streets.

Another special occasion that the Japanese celebrate is the Setsubun, which is the celebration of the beginning of spring. Traditionally, Setsubun is held on either the 3^rd or 4^th of February, which is also the Japanese lunar New Year’s Eve. On this occasion, people would drive out evil and welcome happiness in lieu of spring, where new life begins. More contemporary activities are to visit shrines and temples on this occasion to pray for a good year ahead be it in academics or business-wise.

Japan also has its fair share of traditional rituals and ceremonies. One of these traditional ceremonies would be the Tea Ceremony. 

Let's learn a few basics of the Tea Ceremony

The origins of the Tea Ceremony dates back to the 13^th century where lords started to enjoy tea as a daily commodity. This was later incorporated into the Japanese tradition where the host to would prepare tea for guests. With many steps and etiquettes to abide by, as well as a wide variety of teas and their preparation methods, many Japanese now learn Tea Ceremony from certified professionals as a hobby.

Reference:

The History of the Kimono. Retrieved on 7^th December 2010, from http://library.thinkquest.org/CR0214080/Clothing/history_of_the_kimono.htm

Kimono – Definition. Retrieved on 7^th December 2010, from http://www.wordiq.com/definition/Kimono

Kimono – Houmongi. Retrieved on 7^th December 2010, from http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/fashion/houmongi_kimono.html

Bon Odori – Japanese Traditional Dance. Retrieved on 7^th December 2010, from http://www.japan-101.com/art/art_bon_odori.htm

Setsubun in Japan; A Lunar "New Years' Eve. Retrieved on 7^th December 2010, from http://www2.gol.com/users/stever/setsubun.htm