2. Japanese Annual Events 日本の年中ぎょうじ

3. おもな ぎょうじ 一 月 一 日 （お）しょうがつ 二 月 三 か四日せつぶん 三 月 三 日 ひなまつり 五 月 五 日 こどものひ 七 月 七 日 たなばた 八 月 ちゅうじゅ ん （お）ぼん 十一 月 十五 日 しちごさん

4. おしょうがつ (oshoogatsu) New Year’s Holiday For the Japanese people the New Year’s holiday is the most important of all the annual celebrations.

5. せつぶん (setsubun) Bean-Throwing Ceremony The day before the beginning of spring (old Japanese calendar). Japanese people throw roasted soy beans to drive away ONI(bad luck).

6. ひなまつり (hinamatsuri) Girl’s Day Festival This festival is held to pray for the girl’s growth and happiness.

7. こどものひ (kodomonohi) Children’s Day (Tango no Sekku) In olden times, this festival was held to pray for the boy’s growth, happiness, and success. Now, all children are celebrated for their growth and happiness on this day.

8. たなばた （ Tanabata ） Star Festival (Japanese and Chinese beliefs) On July 7th, people write their wishes on the colored paper strips and attach them to the bamboo branches.

9. （お）ぼん (obon) Bon Festival (Buddhist event) This festival is held from August 13 th through 15 th. It is dedicated to the spirits of ancestors. Also, around this time many places hold bon odori (Japanese folk dance).

10. しちごさん (shichi-go-san) ( 7-5-3 Festival) This celebration is for 3 and 5 year old boys and for 3 and 7 year old girls. Parents take their sons and daughters to a shrine to pray for their health and growth. Children receive special candy called “Chitose ame.”