Across
- 3. A few games traditionally played on New Year include hanetsuki (Japanese badminton), takoage (kite flying) and this card game known as ______.
- 5. While Americans welcome the New Year with fireworks, the Japanese gather at temple grounds to hear the bell strike 108 times from midnight. This very important tradition is known as _________.
- 7. The Japanese have been sending out these greeting cards since 794 either to wish someone a happy and prosperous new year or to thank someone for their help or companionship during the previous year.
- 9. While Americans like to hang wreaths on their doors during the month of December, the Japanese like to hang these wreaths on their door during the New Year to ward off evil spirits.
- 10. To clear the mind and welcome the New Year with a fresh start,the Japanese clean every nook and cranny of the house in a big clean known as _________.
- 11. This holiday is celebrated from December 29-January 3
- 12. This “mirror cake” consists of two stacked rice cakes with a type of orange called a “daidai” placed on top and is a symbol of prosperity.
Down
- 1. These “Year forgetting parties” are quite popular, with the purpose of leaving one’s worries and troubles behind.
- 2. It’s tradition to start the new year off by viewing the first sunrise of the year.
- 4. It is believed that this spiritual being visits homes on New Year’s Day.
- 6. This popular noodle dish means “year crossing” in English and symbolizes longevity.
- 8. It’s common to see entrances decorated with these ornaments made of pine, bamboo, and plum trees.