photo: David Cobb
Ask people in Japan to name their most important holiday and most will answer O-Shogatsu, or New Year's. The holiday is a time for family and friends to celebrate this auspicious day and wish for good health and blessing in the New Year.
Master Calligrapher Ms. Sekko Daigo
photo: Jonathan Ley
This year the Portland Japanese Garden celebrated O-Shogatsu (New Year's) with a special Family Day on Sunday, January 11 from Noon-3pm. The event was held in the Garden's Pavilion and included tea, sweets, traditional New Year's activities for kids, and calligraphy writing.
Families and friends were welcomed to participate in a hands-on experience with Kakizome, the traditional custom of writing of the first calligraphy characters of the New Year. Children in Japan write a few characters with brush and ink in the very best style they can for good luck with their studies over the coming year. Beautiful calligraphy is as highly appreciated as painting in Japan. Guided by Master Calligrapher Sekko Daigo and Japanese teachers from Richmond Elementary School, participants needed no experience writing in Japanese to enjoy this traditional New Year's practice.