[Simple and Fun] New Year’s Quizzes Recommended for Seniors

tobacco

It continues with “four fans, five tobacco pouches, six blind musicians” (shi-ōgi, go-tabako, roku-zatō). Tobacco is considered a lucky charm because smoke rises upward, symbolizing success in life.

January 31

Strictly speaking, “Oshōgatsu” refers to the month of January. In other words, January itself is the New Year period. However, nowadays it’s often used with the same meaning as terms like ‘the first three days of the year’ and ‘Matsu-no-uchi.’

A picture of the Seven Lucky Gods

Since the Muromachi period, there has been a custom of placing a talisman with auspicious designs under one’s pillow to ensure a good first dream of the year. This talisman is called a “Hatsuyume Makura-fuda,” and it commonly features images such as a treasure ship or the Seven Lucky Gods.

The number of human desires

The number 108 for the New Year’s Eve bell is said to represent the number of earthly desires humans possess. It is believed that by ringing the bell, one can dispel worries and suffering, with the wish of starting a good New Year.

Because it's a cause for celebration.

Sea bream are said to have long lifespans among fish, living for several decades. The color red is considered celebratory and is regarded as a good-luck symbol.

black soybeans

Black soybeans are a classic dish in osechi cuisine. They were chosen because they keep well even at room temperature. It’s said they carry wishes for “working diligently” and “living diligently.”

rising in the world; success in life; achieving social and professional advancement

Including yellowtail (buri) in osechi (New Year’s dishes) symbolizes a wish for career advancement, since it is a “promotional fish” whose name changes as it grows. Many people know that buri’s name changes with its growth. It’s a delicious fish that is in season in winter.