It's been quite awhile since I've done an update here.. my apologies. I've just finished the majority of my finals with only one remaining; a discussion oral final about how to break the ice between Japanese and foreigners; something to that effect. As usual I've been studying, playing, getting myself into messes and so on.
Yesterday was National Foundation Day in Japan, so everyone enjoyed a nice holiday, although there wasn't much in the way of celebration let alone explanation as to what national foundation day is. Just the celebration of when Japan was founded by the first emporer, Jimmu-sama. I don't suppose it is aたいした事。
Well, as far as celebrations go a more interesting Japanese holiday is called "setsubun." On February second, people vanquish ogres, demons, etc. from their home by throwing beans and shouting "Oni wa soto, uchi wa fuku!" "Demons out! Luck in!" According to one of the stories I read, this custom originated based on a traditional Japanese comedy about an ogre who disguised himself and went to an old widow's house. The ogre possessed a magic mallet, and used it to make a beautiful kimono. This tempted the old women, who plotted to steal both items. But when the ogre discovered the widow's greed, he revealed his true form, and the old women proceeded to throw the nearest item on hand at him; beans.
There are probably other, more legitimate fables that explain bean-throwing on Setsubun. Aside from beans, people eat nori maki, with is a giant sushi roll. If you eat the entire thing oriented toward an auspicious direction without saying a word, you are supposed to have good luck. It's only recently that I began to feel like the Japanese take superstitions a little too seriously, but then I also started thinking that this is why life is more fun for them. Aside from the stress-death from overwork.
Soybeans that you can throw or snack on and nori maki. After you throw the beans, you can also eat a number corresponding to your age for good luck.On Setsubun I visited my local shrine for a ceremony, play, and complimentary beans for vanquishing ogres from your own home! (Provided you don't get pummeled from the masses. Aside from beans, there are other goods (I think they were just t-shirts and household items, etc). These were tossed to excited crowds by government officials outifitted in traditional garments. I think some children actually get trampled amidst the commotion, as there were signs hanging from the temple requesting that people be careful.
Last weekend I finally got to participate in a sushi-making party that I missed the first time due to excessive registration. In spite of imposing finals, it was worth it. Not many people can say they've made sushi like this:
These big beauties supposedly are from the Boso area around Narita, where I visited the Edo-style village earlier this semester. Dislayed from bottom up are kikusui (chrysanthemum on water), bara (rose), flowers and sakura mankai (fully blossomed cherry tree). The yellow edges are omelette. These sushi are more sweet than conventional sushi, with sugar added to the rice and other ingredients. Carrot and gobo root were used, as well as colored rice. All in all, very tasty.
I hope everyone is enjoying a snowgasbourd in MD and all of their time off from class. Although it doesn't snow much around here, we did manage to get some nice accumulation the first time around! Snow is always welcome.
I survived this semester although by the time of the kanji test, I could no longer muster the strength to study and everyone, irrespective of nationality, was feeling a little hysterical, I think. I intended to embrace all of my challenges this semester, and regardless of what came out of it, I am ready for a break now! Goodnight!
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