It doesn’t matter what nation you’re in, gratitude is all the time appreciated and binds folks collectively. In Japan, not solely is it a very good persona, gratitude can be elevated into a very good cultural trait. That is most clearly proven via Ochugen & Oseibo – additionally the 2 largest present giving events of the yr. Let's find out about these two occasions with Ussina under.
1.1 Origin of Ochugen ceremony
Ochugen is a vacation originating from China. Since historic occasions, the Chinese language Taoist calendar has had three holidays: 上元 (jōgen), 中元 (chūgen) and 下元 (kagen). Amongst them, Chugen day or July 15, is taken into account the birthday of the god who will forgive all of the sins of the folks. To thank the gods, Chinese language folks started to have a good time by providing choices on today. The occasion was later launched to Japan and mixed with the native 盆礼 (Bonrei) tradition, which is the tradition of visiting and giving presents to folks and family throughout the Bon Pageant.
1.2 Actions throughout Ochugen
Completely different areas give Ochugen at completely different occasions; in early July to July 15 in japanese Japan and in early July to August 15 in western Japan. However most will ship this present in July.
If it isn’t doable to ship a present throughout Ochugen, the present have to be despatched as “Shochu-mimai” (暑中見舞い) earlier than August 8, or “Zansho-mimai” (残暑見舞い) in early September. Each Shochu-mimai and Zansho-mimai each imply caring for family, acquaintances or pals pals about how they’re doing over the summer time.
Historically, folks give presents to household elders and senior members of society who helped them that yr. Mother and father, grandparents, docs, academics, and executives are sometimes the recipients of those presents. Nonetheless, at this time, folks will specific gratitude to anybody who has helped or supported them.
Ochugen presents additionally should be wrapped fantastically. Many individuals even wrap their presents in conventional Furoshiki – a material used particularly to wrap presents – to precise their emotions to the recipient.
2.1 The place did the Oseibo ceremony originate from?
Though Ochugen and Oseibo are related, there are some variations. First is about historical past.
Oseibo is claimed to originate from the Muromachi interval. The Kagen Day talked about above is October 15, which in China is taken into account the birthday of the god who drives away evil spirits. And much like Chugen day, historic folks provided choices to precise their gratitude to the gods. On the similar time, the Japanese even have the customized of providing choices on New Yr's Eve to the gods and ancestral spirits as a thanks to neighbors and householders on this event. finish of the yr. This can be associated to the Chinese language Kagen Day Occasion that began the Oseibo tradition.
2.2 Traditions throughout Oseibo vacation
Oseibo tends to be a bit extra well-liked than Ochugen as a result of it takes place on the finish of the yr. This would be the time when folks look again and replicate on the previous yr. To indicate gratitude to those that have helped them in a roundabout way, Oseibo presents are given. This exercise often takes place from the top of November to round December 20.
Oseibo tradition can be well-liked amongst companies. Many corporations give Oseibo presents to prospects, suppliers and different key relationships to assist strengthen relationships.
Much like Ochugen, Oseibo presents are wrapped in “noshigami” when offered. Noshigami is a chunk of paper used to wrap presents throughout holidays. A ribbon is printed within the center and the phrase “Oseibo” is written on the highest half and the recipient's title is written on the underside half.
When you ought to select presents for each Ochugen and Oseibo that finest swimsuit the recipient, there are some issues it is best to all the time keep away from. For instance, merchandise that sound like or embody the numbers 4 and 9 are taboo as a result of these phrases sound just like the Japanese phrase for loss of life. Knives are additionally averted as a result of their symbolism of slicing and separation. Equally, stationery and gadgets equivalent to watches that symbolize work are additionally not given throughout these seasons.
In actual fact, Japanese folks at this time typically select Sanchokuhin or native specialty presents.
3.1 Ochugen presents
Fruit jelly
Jelly is the right candy for Ochugen in Japan. They style nice and supply a cooling sensation, which is good throughout our sizzling summers.
Beer & Wine
Beer and wine are additionally typically chosen as presents throughout the center of the yr. Many Japanese beer manufacturers promote their beer below the title Ochugen. For a lot of Japanese folks, there’s nothing higher than having fun with a contemporary beer on a sizzling summer time evening or after work.
3.2 What presents to present on Oseibo?
Chilly meat
Presents equivalent to ham, sausage, and bacon are well-liked Oseibo presents as a result of they’re simple to protect for a very long time and can be utilized in lots of dishes. They will also be an awesome winter facet dish when added to stews with varied greens.
Scorching pot
Certainly one of these dish The most well-liked within the chilly winter in Japan is nabe (sizzling pot). Consuming nabe is a good way to immediately heat up the physique. Subsequently, present units together with sauces and sizzling pot substances are additionally typically chosen presents. There are numerous various kinds of sizzling pot, such because the well-known Motsu Nabe, Fugu Nabe, Shabu Shabu and Sukiyaki.
Within the above article, Ussina discovered with you about Japan's Ochugen and Oseibo gift-giving tradition. That is actually a pleasant custom and brings folks nearer collectively. You probably have a detailed Japanese buddy, strive stunning them with an “Ochugen” or “Oseibo” present.