Many thanks to TFWT’s wonderful guests who participated in our all tours for 2024 and we TFWT are looking forward to meeting all of you in the future. I believe you had a nice new year.
On Sunday, we were so delighted to welcome 6 guests from Brazil, Colombia, Philippines, and U.S.A. to our first tour of the year. It was fine but a bit cold. The area in front of the main shrine building was still decorated for the New Year’s and many people had come to pray. I hope all of you enjoyed and shared interesting conversations with us during the tour. As promised, group photos and snapshots are attached to remember the fun times we had.
In Japan, New Year’s Day refers to the first 7 days of the year. This period is called “Matsunouchi.” It is said that the Deity of New Year’s comes down from his world to our world and stays with us. After “Matsunouchi”, the Deity goes back to his world. On the morning of the final day of the Matsunouchi, Japanese people eat Seven herbs rice porridge “Nanakusagayu.” Seven herbs are water dropwort, shepherd’s purse, cudweed, chickweed, henbit, turnip, and daikon radish. These are believed to be resistant to the cold and to ward off the evil spirits. Seven herbs rice porridge heal our stomachs tired from eating and drinking too much during the New Year because it contains much water. The custom introduced from China and then become popular in Japan by Edo period.
I ate Seven herbs rice porridge this morning. It is very simple and light taste. Good for health!
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Posted by Yumi H.