For most communities the New Year began with the first full moon of the first month.
It was customary to eat 'azuki-gayu' (小豆粥), a rice gruel mixed with red adzuki beans, for health and to exorcise evil spirits.
Red was considered a protective colour, especially against disease.
Before the New Year celebrations wrap up, there is one more observance to be made on January 15th.
Tōrin-in preserves the tradition of 'Koshōgatsu' (小正月 'Little New Year'), a once-popular ritual in rural areas, where people would pray for good harvests.
For most communities the New Year began with the first full moon of the first month.
It was customary to eat 'azuki-gayu' (小豆粥), a rice gruel mixed with red adzuki beans, for health and to exorcise evil spirits
Red was considered a protective colour, especially against disease.
Before the New Year celebrations wrap up, there is one more observance to be made on January 15th.
Nao-san visited Tōrin-in to celebrate 'Koshōgatsu' (小正月 'Little New Year'), a once-popular ritual in rural areas, where people would pray for good harvests.
