On New Year's Day morning, once again this year, I was treated to a calm morning scene.
Just like last year, the Iyo mountain ranges were clearly outlined and shone in the sunlight.
In recent years, I remember that New Year's mornings in Kamuro have been calm and beautiful.
Enjoy the New Year's morning by myself, enjoying offerings to the gods, sacred sake, and a simple New Year's meal.
I remember that both my parents had decent New Year's celebrations when they were alive. On New Year's Day, my father would draw "wakamizu" (young water) from a nearby well and celebrate with a zoni (rice cake) with it. On the second day, he would bring for a boat and Ebisu Shrine with some sake and dried squid, purify himself, and pray for safety. My mother said she would make pilgrimages to various provinces, and around the third day she would visit the local gods, Buddhas, and the graves of ancestors and acquaintances. Even though they were poor, it seems they held celebrations for various milestones.
Of course, I can't do this myself, but I start by visiting the graves of my great-grandparents and friends along the way. As I walk around the old cemetery, I notice graves with "chirasaki" offerings, which feels refreshing. Like my own family, all the graves are decorated with artificial flowers. Perhaps it was early, but I didn't see anyone there. At the temple, I see the family of the head priest chanting sutras and praying at the graves of past head priests. I exchange New Year's greetings and head home.
On the 30th, I decorated Hiroshima for New Year's and set off for home. The 31st was a day of bad luck, so after returning home I started cleaning and putting up the New Year's decorations. I offered sacred sake and started drinking hand-me-downs. I picked up a book I had just published, "The Life-Changing Habit of Throwing Away," in President. After reading a few lines, I threw it away, not understanding it at all. I sympathize with Itsuki Hiroyuki's "A Life Without Throwing Away," which was featured in a feature a few years ago. "Rather than living happily, I want to live a life rich in spirit." I'm not rich enough to have things to throw away around me. I mutter to myself that there is plenty of room for more in my head.
On the 31st, while I was drinking yesterday, I noticed that the shriveled Japanese goldenrod in the vacant lot in front of my house was dead. I decided to take action and cut it down. However, when I actually started the work, it was a tough task. I repeatedly cut and gathered the grass, but finished the work in just over an hour. I killed time by transcribing newspaper columns and writing in my diary, which I had been neglecting due to the busyness of the end of the year.
I participated in the "New Year's Eve Bell Ringing" which started at 4pm. This year there were only a few participants, less than 20 people. Everyone rang the bell as they pleased, and the year came to an end.
On the 1st, my family returned to the island before 11am to visit the grave. After celebrating with lunch, we left the island.;
I tweet that even the smallest things make me happy.
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