Kakizome

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Kakizome ( Japanese 書 き 初 め , roughly "first script"), also Kissho ( 吉 書 ), Shihatsu ( 試 筆 ) or Hatsusuzuri ( 初 硯 ), is a Japanese New Year's custom and typologically belongs to the customs around the ritual first committing a certain act in new Year. The central component is the production of a calligraphy , the meaning of which is related to the coming year, similar to a western “good intent”. It can be individual Kanji , but also whole poems ( haikus ).

The custom has been widespread since the Edo period and is said to have previously only been practiced in the imperial palace . Traditionally it meant that the sumi used should take place with the first scooped water of the year and that the execution should take place in accordance with the astrological direction that was “favorable” for the new year.

This calligraphy will be made on January 2nd or in the days after. B. presented in schools, where the production is part of the vacation tasks of the students. The big Kakizome event at Nippon Budōkan on January 5th has several thousand participants and is televised annually.

The works come to an end at the Sagichō festival in mid-January when they are burned in the open air. If the burning paper flies high in the air, that is considered a personally good omen .

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