Fun facts you’ll want to share! January trivia and tidbits special

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There are surprisingly many things about New Year’s customs and January-only traditions that we think we know but actually don’t.

From the wishes embedded in osechi cuisine and the true identity of the fruit placed atop kagami mochi, to things you shouldn’t do during the New Year period, January is full of trivia and fun facts that can liven up conversation.

In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of general-interest trivia and tidbits related to January.

Why not bring them up as topics during family gatherings with relatives over the New Year?

Fun facts you'll want to share! January trivia & tidbits (11–20)

New Year’s gifts (otoshidama) were originally rice cakes, not money.

For children, otoshidama is one of the biggest events of the New Year, and many people probably remember looking forward to it.

Speaking of otoshidama, most people think of money, but originally it was a custom of sharing round kagami-mochi among family members.

The rice cakes carried the meaning of being a gift from the New Year deity (Toshigami-sama), and ozoni was the dish made to eat them.

While ozoni is an important cultural tradition, if that’s what you call otoshidama, children might feel a bit disappointed.

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The full moon seen in January is called the “Wolf Moon.”

Since full moons occur at regular intervals, there are times when one falls in January.

The full moon observed in January is called the “Wolf Moon” in the United States.

The name originates from what Native Americans called it, inspired by the image of wolves howling from hunger during the harshly cold season.

It’s a term that clearly shows how severe the cold is in January even in the U.S.

Using this word as a starting point, it’s also recommended to explore the differences in winter cold between Japan and the United States.

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In the past, people dedicated live horses instead of ema (votive tablets).

Speaking of New Year’s, many people probably visit a shrine for hatsumode and dedicate ema plaques with their wishes written on them.

Ema are said to have originated from the practice of offering live horses; as this ritual, once reserved for the high-born, spread to commoners, it was simplified into the ema we know today.

There is a history that gods were believed to appear riding horses, and horses were presented as their means of transport.

Knowing that ema trace their origins to horses as the gods’ mounts might change the mindset with which we write our wishes on them.

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Osechi dishes are packed into tiered boxes to express the wish that good fortune will be multiplied.

When you think of osechi ryori, you picture it packed not on plates but in stacked lacquered boxes, with their decorations highlighting a sense of festivity.

The reason for placing the dishes in these tiered boxes is said to be a wish for good fortune to “pile up.” While carrying a meaning as an auspicious symbol, the boxes also compactly organize the dishes, making them seem like a very efficient container.

Knowing this, it even feels like osechi with more tiers might invite even more good fortune.

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January 15 is called the ‘Little New Year.’

In contrast to the “Great New Year” period that runs through January 7, known as Matsunouchi, January 15 is considered “Little New Year.” The specific customs vary by region, but eating red bean porridge (azuki-gayu) is a staple.

In some areas it’s also called “Women’s New Year,” with the idea of appreciating women who were busy during the Great New Year.

It’s an event that carries a sense of wistfulness as the New Year festivities wind down and we gradually return to everyday life.

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