The Washington herald., 1909-01-03
By RUDOLPH DE zAPP.


-Omedito. onedito," were the friendly
words resoUnding throughout the palatial
home Of Baron Rogoro Takahira, the I'm
perisl japanese Ambassador. on New
Years Day morning; and "OmeditO. ONE
ditto" was the friendly reply. One
ditto means congratulations, and happy
is he who Is lucky enough TO first pro-
noUnce the luck-bringing message.
OF all the glad New Years ever cele-
brated in this city, the event as observed
at the palace OF the representative at the
seat Of the American government Of the
Emperor OF Japan surpassed IN elabo-
rateness. variety. and length Of celebra-
ton ell other similar festivities ever OBJ
served in this city.
Baron Takahira. Ike every other loyal
member Of his staH. and, in fact. every
faithful follower OF the sunfiag the world
over. was Up on Friday morning, on
the first day OF the new year, In tine 10
see the sun rise and so gain the good viii
OF heaven for himself and his nation.
Preparations are started early IN
the Mikado's empire fer the celebration
OF New Years Day. the king OF all Jana
nese holidays. The dawn OF the year
among all other feasts holds supremacy
in fair Nippon It takes all Of December
10 get ready for IL. and half OF January
TO celebrate Every merchant must set
tie all accounts and rest0ck his shop.
Every debtor must meet his obligations
and prepare 10 make q fresh beginning.
Every hoUsekeeper must clean her house.
bake nice cakes, and rencvate the ward
robes Of the family Every friend must
be provided with gift. Every doorway
must have its decorations Of pine. a
match for the Whitsuntide evergreen.
while every man. woman, and child Of
the realm must appear in the streets in
holiday costume On New Years morn
ing japanese cities look rs if made
afresh
Since 1873 the japanese have followed
the European calendar and observed New
Years Day on January / This change
from the Chinese method. when New
Year fell al the end Of February. at the
beginning of spring and reawakening Of
nature, has put p stop TO many Of the
older customs and superstitions held
sacred for centuries. The manzai or
sJrOlling minstrels, with their native vio-
Hns, the itineFant actors. who gave their
plays IN booths. and the wandering artists
have all had the melancholy spectacle Of
seeing their business frozen out. But
amusement and superstitions galore re-
main.
The primary end OF life on New Years
morning Of every japanese IS to be in
time TO see the sun rise. and so gain the
good viii OF heaven and the blessings Of
I fortune. while on New Years evening
the pinnacle Of ones ambition is to be
lucky enough TO dream. either OF Fiji.
the matches mountain" or the sky.
q falcon or an egg plant They all fore
tell happiness
All the New Year decorations before the
quaint entrances to the houses in the
cities and towns Of Japan are symbolic
On the right OF the entrance stands a
red pine, the emblem Of woman; on the
left a black pine. the emblem Of man;
together symbolizing a happy marriage.
As the pine tree keeps its green leaves
when other trees lose their foliage, so
the courageous heart preserves its
strength in time Of adversely The slender
bamboo, with their ornamental branches,