When you think of Japanese New Year, images of beautiful decorations like pine trees, rice cakes, and rope ornaments might come to mind. But did you know these decorations are not just for show? They’re actually prepared to welcome a very special guest called Toshigami (歳神様)—the deity of the New Year.
Toshigami is believed to bring good fortune, health, and prosperity to families at the start of every year.
What?! Toshigami is that amazing? I want to know more!
In this article, we’ll introduce who Toshigami is, how Japanese people welcome him, and the meaning behind traditional New Year decorations. We’ll also explain how to properly display ofuda (sacred talismans from shrines).
If you love Japanese culture, learning about Toshigami will make your New Year experience in Japan even more exciting!
Who Is Toshigami?
Today’s topic is Toshigami, the New Year deity!
The Origins and Role of Toshigami
In ancient Japan, people believed that ancestral spirits and deities of harvest descended from the mountains to each household at the start of the year. That visiting deity was called Toshigami.
He is seen as the god who delivers “life energy” and blessings to people for the coming year.
Wow, he really is an incredible god.
Blessings of Toshigami
Toshigami is said to bring a wide range of benefits: health for the family, rich harvests, business success, and overall happiness. The most important blessing, however, is ensuring that everyone can spend the new year in good health.
Toshigami in Daily Life
Traditional New Year customs—such as offering rice cakes and decorating the home—are all ways to welcome Toshigami and show respect. In a sense, Toshigami is treated like an honored guest who visits only once a year.
lol, that’s why Otsuki-chan always starts panicking when December comes.
Exactly! We have to welcome Toshigami every single year.
How to Welcome Toshigami
When to Start Preparing
Preparations traditionally begin on December 13, known as Shogatsu Kotohajime (the “start of New Year preparations”). Nowadays, many families start after Christmas.
Important tip: avoid December 29 (the number “9” is associated with suffering) and December 31 (called “one-night decoration,” seen as too rushed). Ideally, preparations should be finished by December 28.
The Meaning of Year-End Cleaning
The big New Year’s cleaning, or oosouji, isn’t just about tidying up. It’s a ritual to purify the house and welcome Toshigami into a clean, fresh environment.
Once December begins, people all over Japan start doing a big New Year’s cleaning.
The Spirit of Welcoming
More than just a custom, preparing for Toshigami symbolizes the mindset of cherishing the new year. Doing it with sincerity sets the tone for a prosperous and happy year ahead.
Types and Meanings of New Year Decorations
Kadomatsu (Pine and Bamboo Decoration)
Placed at the entrance of homes, kadomatsu serve as a guidepost so Toshigami can find his way. Pine represents longevity, bamboo symbolizes strength and growth, and plum blossoms signify resilience.
I want to decorate a kadomatsu in front of my house, hopefully this coming new year.
Shimenawa and Shimekazari (Sacred Rope Decorations)
These ropes mark sacred boundaries and protect the home from evil spirits. Hanging them at the entrance or above a household altar signals to Toshigami: “You are welcome here.”
Kagami Mochi (Decorative Rice Cakes)
Kagami mochi are offerings to Toshigami. The two round rice cakes represent harmony and “layering of years,” while the orange placed on top (called daidai) symbolizes the wish for family prosperity “from generation to generation.”
These days, plastic kagami mochi are common, but I still want to prepare handmade ones this year.
How to Display Ofuda (Sacred Talismans)
If You Have a Kamidana (Household Shrine)
Ofuda are usually enshrined on a kamidana. Place the Ise Grand Shrine talisman in the center, your local guardian deity (ujigami) on the right, and the talisman from your personally revered shrine on the left.
Sorry, there’s no illustration of the ofuda (sacred talisman).
If You Don’t Have a Kamidana
No kamidana? No problem. Choose a clean, elevated space such as a shelf, and ideally face the talisman toward the east or south.
What to Avoid
Never place an ofuda on the floor, near unclean areas like toilets, or in places where people step over it. Respect is key.
Toshigami Q&A
- QWhen should New Year decorations be taken down?
- A
Usually after Matsu-no-uchi, which is January 7 or January 15, depending on the region.
- QCan you eat the kagami mochi?
- A
Yes! On January 11, families perform kagami biraki (rice cake breaking ceremony). The mochi is eaten in soups or sweet dishes, believed to carry Toshigami’s blessings.
- QCan foreigners put up New Year decorations too?
- A
Absolutely! As long as it’s done respectfully, decorating for Toshigami is a wonderful way to experience Japanese tradition and start the year positively.
Final Thoughts about Toshigami
Toshigami is at the heart of Japan’s New Year traditions. Far from being “just decorations,” the practices of cleaning, setting up kadomatsu, and offering kagami mochi all have the deeper meaning of welcoming this special deity.
For anyone who loves Japan, participating in these customs is a beautiful way to connect with the culture. Next time you celebrate the New Year, try putting up a shimenawa or kagami mochi—you might just feel the blessings of Toshigami yourself.
May Toshigami bring you happiness and good fortune in the coming year!
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