New Year in Japan and China

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer discusses that Japan and China are similar in a sense because they share some traditions, beliefs and cultures; yet they are dissimilar for the same reasons. The writer notes that if one looks at the present day celebration of the New Year in China and Japan, one may think that it is overly commercialized like the western traditions of Christmas and Easter. The writer maintains that if one examines it deeply, one sees that the religious facade is still there and most Japanese and Chinese will relate to a lot of religious traditions embedded in these festivities. The writer concludes that after all, most celebrations celebrated worldwide whether Christmas, Easter or the New Year would not have been in existence today without any real religious roots or traditions that signify their deep and true meanings.

From the Paper:

"The New Year's festivities for one are one of the most important celebrations of the country embedded in deep traditions and rich culture. China follows both the Western New Year and the Lunar New Year but the latter is more important. Japan considers the Western New Year more important and holds big celebrations. Although religion is not a big part of the two countries New Year celebrations, some of the activities and beliefs have its roots on religious flavors."
"The earliest known history about the Chinese New Year had something to do with the legendary Nia."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Addis, Ian. Chinese New Year. 2007. 12 April 2007. <http://www.longman.co.uk/tt_pri/calendar/jan_01/china.htm>.
• Hammond, Billy. New Year's in Japan. 1997. 12 April 2007. <http://www.tanutech.com/japan/newyear.html>.
• Holy Mountain Trading Company. The Japanese New Year: Rituals and Symbols of Oshogatsu (New Year). 29 December 2001. 12 April 2007. <http://www.holymtn.com/astrology/JapaneseNewYear.htm>.
• Japanese Lifestyle. Japanese New Year: New Year in Japan. 2007. 12 April 2007. <http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/culture/new_year.html>.
• Japan-Guide.com. Basic Information: Japanese New Year. 2007. 12 April 2007. <http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2064.html>.

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