Happy New Year!

By Aussiegirl

Happy New Year, everyone! Z Novym Rokom -- in Ukrainian.

In Japan, the New Year is a time of reflection and visiting Buddhist temples. Pine boughs and bamboo decorate doorsteps and special games are played by children. Japanese hold "bonenkai" parties, literally "forget the year" parties, when you can supposedly say anything you want to your boss and he won't hold it against you. (I wonder how many people actually risk doing this). Women spend a lot of time and money in the beauty parlor getting elaborate traditional Japanese hairdos, and on New Year's morning they attend the Buddhist temple dressed in their finest kimonos, where they clap 3 times to summon their ancestors and say their prayers.

On the whole it is a quiet time of reflection and traditional activities, with many visits being paid to show respect. The Japanese have a lovely concept of "hatsu" -- which means "first". So everything you do in the New Year you make special by noting that this is the "first" walk, meal, visit, game, etc. It is a lovely idea, and one that I like to be mindful of. So, today has been a day of many "hatsu" things. Everything is swept clean and a New Year awaits, unsullied and unsoiled, spreading before us an open vista, if we have but the vision to see where the road lies that will lead us forward into the good and the light.

I wish each and every one of you many, many lovely "hatsu" experiences this year, and a year of health, wealth and wisdom -- and above all -- vision to guide you in the truest and best path for you and your family, your country and your God.

May God Bless us in the New Year.