Japanese New Years Traditions at the Japanese Friendship Garden 16 December 2023

Saturday 16 December 2023 the Japanese Friendship Garden put on workshops highlighting New Years traditions.

First was a demonstration of mochitsuki where glutinous rice is pounded to make muchi, a chewy rcie cake.   It can be used in a variety of dishes or enjoyed on it own, sometimes with toppings or fillings.

Then there was a demonstration of mochi bana (rice cake and flower), a traditional japanese art form that involved shaping and decorating mochi, the chewy rice cake.  Here, the mochi is shaped into small pieces of various colors, and then attached to branches.  They are then displayed in homes to greet the new year and bring good fortune.

Finally, there was a demonstration of what goes into a kadomatsu (or gate pine).   They typically are displayed in pairs (male and female) at the entrance of a home.   They are typically made of pine, bamboo, and sometimes plum tree sprigs.  The pine represents longevity. The bamboo is strength and growth.  And the plum blossoms are for strength through adversity.  

Until My Next Adventure,

See you on down the road,

Jim Patterson

For images from my visit, click HERE

Otsukimi Japanese Friendship Garden Event 29 Oct 2023

Otsukimi in Japanese means to gaze at the moon.  And it was a full moon on 29 October 2023 at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Phoenix.

The theme this year is Gekka, or moonflower.  It refers to the gentle light of the moon on flowers at night.   

The tradition of moon gazing in September and October began during the Heian period 794 AD to 1185 AD.  They would admire the reflection of the moon on ponds and in their sake, recite poetry, and play musical instruments.  

As part of the celebration, we witnessed the beauty of calligraphy as well.   

Japanese snacks and foods were featured along with sake and beer.   

And traditional Japanese music of singing and drums featuring musicians from the Yamaguchi Music Academy in Japan. 

Until My Next Adventure,

See you on down the road,

Jim Patterson

For images from my visit, click HERE