Coming to work on time is bad form, at least in Japan. Every self-respecting citizen must appear at the workplace at least 30 minutes earlier and leave him half an hour later. These are they hardworking, Japanese. But on their calendar there are as many as 7 days when no one goes to work - “Golden Week” in Japan - a time of unbridled fun and travel.
Festive triad
How did this tradition form? "Golden Week" in Japan refers to the three most lively holidays of the country. Among them:
- New Year - traditionally celebrated on the Gregorian calendar on January 1. Once this holiday lasted all of January, now holidays begin on December 28 and end on January 4.
- Obon - days of remembrance of the dead. It is also called the Lantern Festival, because after dark people light lanterns and launch them into the sky. The celebration is accompanied by folklore songs and dances; in Buddhist temples they read sacred books. This holiday was previously celebrated from June 13 to 15, but with the transition to the Gregorian calendar, the time of celebration shifted to August 13-15. Although some Japanese still celebrate Obon in the old style.
- Golden Week, or Golden Week. The time when public holidays go one after another, therefore, in Japan almost all days off, except for hotel and airport workers, for them the “Golden Week” is the hottest time. The event begins on April 29 and ends on May 5.
The birth of the emperor
04/29 - Emperor Hirohito’s birthday, also called Japan Showa Day. Hirohito held his post for 63 years (1926-1989). In the history of Japan, this is the longest period of the reign of the emperor. The Japanese even today remember and honor their leader.
During his reign, there were many tragic events. Among them: World War II and the destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. These tragedies allowed the Japanese to rethink many values. And then there was an incredible economic recovery, Japan became a member of the Big Seven, the life in the country improved and the birth rate increased. Also during this period, television broadcasting began in Japan, and this was the first Asian country to host the Olympic Games.
The country, disfigured by the war, rose from the ashes thanks to the efforts of Emperor Hirohito, which is why the "Golden Week" in Japan begins with the celebration of his birthday.
Constitution of the Land of the Rising Sun
May 3 in Japan is called Constitution Day. In 1947, Emperor Hirohito adopted a code of laws in which he refused to conduct military operations, and all international conflicts had to be resolved peacefully. On this holiday in Japan, the parliament building is opened for visitors. Those who wish can attend lectures to talk about the importance of a democratic and pacifist constitution for Japan. In many daily print media it will be possible to familiarize themselves with the summary of this legal document, in particular, with the ninth article - the basis of the new constitutional law of Japan.
Green day
Further holidays in Japan at the "Golden Week" continues Green Day - 4.05. This day also has a peculiar connection with the first emperor of the Showa period. After the death of Hirohito and inclusively until 2006, April 29 was celebrated as Green Day, because the late emperor was fond of botany. In 2007, the government established the celebration of April 29, Sow Day, which symbolized the beginning of the Sow period and the veneration of the emperor. The Green Day was shifted to 4.05, in fact, it does not carry any special meaning or meaning, but the Japanese like it.
Children's day
05.05 celebrates the holiday of children in Japan. This tradition is more than 1000 years old. Initially, it was the "Boys' Festival". The full name translates as "the celebration of the first day of the horse", because for the samurai the horse was of extraordinary value. This animal is the personification of courage and determination. It is these qualities that a true warrior needs.
During the Heian era, various sporting and military competitions were held between the guys on this day, such as horse riding, wrestling or fencing. The holiday was introduced specifically in order to educate the spirit of a samurai among the younger generation.
Later, during the Edo period, the event ceased to be the property of the military, and everyone could celebrate it. At this time, new traditions appeared. In the houses they made exhibitions of figures of samurai, hung flags with a picture of koi carps, a symbol of stability and equanimity. Later, when Children's Day was established, multi-colored flags began to hang out. For example, the black banner was raised in honor of the father, the red was meant for the mother, and the blue - for the children.
This holiday ends the "Golden Week" in Japan. After him, ordinary workdays begin again.
Celebration
Dates of the "Golden Week" in Japan fall at the beginning of May (04/29/05/05), the time when it was already warm. Therefore, many Japanese people migrate to places of worship such as Kyoto or Kamakura to look at the cultural heritage of their ancestors. Some just go out on picnics to enjoy nature. In most cities of Japan, the sakura bloom period has already ended, but those who want to enjoy the pink flowers can go to Aomori, Hakodate or Sapporo. From the location of the islands, which stretch from south to north, in these cities, sakura is just beginning to bloom.
At Golden Week, a lot of tourists visit the country, so it’s hard to find a free place in a hotel. There are long lines at train stations and airports, but this does not overshadow the festive mood. At this time, you can visit the spring festivals. Take part in fun contests or try the local cuisine, and enjoy colorful fireworks in the evening.
Companies and educational institutions do not work at this time, participants in school sports clubs go to training camps. At the "Golden Week" they hold sports competitions, organize concerts or demonstration fights of the samurai. Residents have a rest from everything ordinary, travel around the country, gather for friends with friends or simply admire nature.
The Golden Week is not just days when you can’t work, it’s a kind of reminder of the period of the reign of Emperor Hirohito, whose main motto was the absence of conflict. And on such days, not only the Japanese, but even tourists feel that in the modern world a real world is possible.