Lesson 48 New Year Celebrations (Shogatsu)
Topic Question: What are some customs or traditions for New Year in Japan?
▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Consider what unique practices, foods, or events are associated with celebrating the New Year in Japan.
Sample Answer
“In Japan, New Year is celebrated with unique customs like visiting shrines for Hatsumode, eating special food such as Osechi-ryori, sending New Year’s cards known as Nengajo, and the ringing of temple bells 108 times at midnight to cleanse away sins. Families also enjoy Mochitsuki, the pounding of rice to make mochi.”
▮ Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer
Pronounce the Words Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Words Instantly
- Shrines (神社): Sacred places for Shinto worship.
- Osechi-ryori (おせち料理): Traditional Japanese New Year food, served in special boxes called Jubako.
- Nengajo (年賀状): New Year’s greeting cards sent to friends and family.
- Sins (罪): Acts believed to violate moral or divine law.
- Mochitsuki (餅つき): The traditional Japanese event of pounding steamed rice to make mochi (rice cakes).
▮ Answer the Instructor’s 3 Questions Based on the Sample Answer
- What special foods are eaten during New Year in Japan?
- Which tradition involves visiting sacred places at the beginning of the year?
- How do Japanese people cleanse away sins at New Year’s Eve?
▮ Mastering Middle School English Grammar: Questions
What… ? Which…? How… ?
(questions 4)
What + noun (What color … ? / What kind … ?, etc.)
● What color is your car？ ● What color are your eyes?
● What size is this shirt? ● What nationality is she?
What without a noun:
● What’s your favorite color?
● What do you want to do tonight?
Which + noun (things or people):
● Which train did you catch – the 9:50 or the 10:30?
● Which doctor did you see – Doctor Lopez, Doctor Gray, or Doctor Hill’
We use which without a noun for things, not people:
● Which is bigger – Canada or Australia?
● What color are his eyes? (not Which color?)
Which color do you prefer, pink or yellow?
What is the longest river in the world?
Which is the longest river – the Mississippi, the Amazon, or the Nile?
How…?
● ‘How was the party last night? ” “It was great.”
● How do you get cowork? ” “By bus.”
Example Sentences Based on the Grammar Practice and Sample Answer:
- What color are the envelopes used for Nengajo? (The envelopes are usually white or have traditional designs.)
- Which is more popular for the first visit of the year, temples or shrines? (Shrines are more popular for Hatsumode, the first visit of the year.)
- How do families participate in Mochitsuki? (Families take turns pounding the rice and shaping the mochi.)
Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:
