{"id":2442,"date":"2024-01-10T12:58:44","date_gmt":"2024-01-10T03:58:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/yokosuka\/?post_type=news&p=2442"},"modified":"2024-05-06T19:29:35","modified_gmt":"2024-05-06T10:29:35","slug":"japanese-new-year-tradition-bonfires-yokosuka","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/yokosuka\/new-and-now\/japanese-new-year-tradition-bonfires-yokosuka\/","title":{"rendered":"Dondo-yaki\/Onbe-yaki: Japanese New Year Bonfires in Yokosuka"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Discover Dondo-yaki\/Onbe-yaki: Japanese New Year Tradition Bonfires in Yokosuka. Observe the rituals of bidding farewell to the past year and welcoming the New Year. Explore the symbolic burning of sacred items, believed to purify and promote good health. This article provides information on where to participate, the history behind these traditions, and how to engage in these cultural festivities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Burning Traditions: Unveiling the Symbolism Behind Dondo-yaki and Onbe-yaki<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The purpose of Onbe-yaki and Dondo-yaki is to celebrate the New Year and symbolically bid farewell to the Toshigami (New Year’s deity) by burning various items associated with the previous year. These traditional Japanese festivals involve the burning of materials like sacred ropes (Shime-nawa), New Year decorations, old charms (Omamori), and talismans in a ceremonial bonfire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The act of burning these items is believed to purify and cleanse, ensuring a fresh start for the upcoming year. Additionally, being touched by the smoke and sparks of the bonfire is thought to bring about good health and domestic safety. The festivals also carry cultural and historical significance, reflecting ancient rituals and customs that have evolved over time. Overall, Onbe-yaki and Dondo-yaki serve as a communal way to welcome the New Year, express gratitude, and seek blessings for a prosperous and harmonious year ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Different Names?: Unveiling Varied Titles for Onbe-yaki, Dondo-yaki, and More<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The event is referred to by various names such as “Onbe-yaki,” “Dondo-yaki,” “Dondon-yaki,” “Donto-yaki,” “Saito-yaki,” and “Tondo-yaki.” However, in regions where the custom primarily centers around the worship of the Toshitoku deity, it is called by these names. It is believed that this tradition originated in the Izumo region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some literature associates “Tondo-yaki.” with firecrackers, possibly stemming from the use of the term as a phonetic representation due to the cracking sound produced when green bamboo is burned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Origins of Dondo-yaki and Onbe-yaki in Muromachi Tradition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The origin of Dondo-yaki and Onbe-yaki can be traced back to the “Sangicho,” a ritual involving three bamboo staffs used in a ceremony called “Giccho” during the Muromachi period. Giccho involved striking a wooden ball with the bamboo staffs, and the ritual evolved into burning the staffs with attached paper fans to welcome the New Year and ward off misfortune. It is believed that this custom was influenced by the Chinese tradition of using firecrackers to dispel evil during the New Year, introduced during the same period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Delicious Traditions of Dondo-yaki and Onbe-yaki<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Traditional Rice Cake Grilling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Partaking in rice cakes (Mochi) roasted over the Dondo-yaki fire is a customary wish for a year of good health and well-being. Typically, round rice cakes are skewered on wooden or bamboo sticks for grilling, although in recent times, some communities wrap them in aluminum foil. Additionally, grilling Kagami-mochi, a special New Year’s rice cake, is believed to enhance its blessings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Grilling Surume (Dried Squid) and Kelp<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In certain regions, offerings to the gods during Dondo-yaki include grilling surume (dried squid) and kelp. Notably, the Dondo-yaki celebration known as “Sai no Kami” in Niigata is renowned for its grilled surume. Depending on the locality, this tradition extends to grilling region-specific products like sweet potatoes or mandarins, symbolizing prayers for good health by consuming offerings cooked in the sacred fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Considerations for Participating in Dondo-yaki and Onbe-yaki<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Attention to Attire<\/h3>\n\n\n\n