初詣(はつもうで) - hatsumode

Hatsumode is the first visit to a Buddhist temple or a Shinto shrine during the shogatsu period to pray for good luck for your family, success at business, and so forth. In ancient times, people used to visit their tutelary gods called ujigami, but most people prefer to visit well-known temples and shrines now. They throw money offerings called saisen into offering boxes, and then pray for good luck for the year. They also draw something like lots called omikuji, in which the god tells their fortune. Many people purchase talismans (omamori), Dharma dolls, and exorcising arrows called hamaya for luck. Hatsumode begins at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Well-known shrines and temples are crowded every year with the large number of people who visit during the first three days of the New Year.

正月に寺や神社に参拝すること。家族の幸運や事業の成功を祈願する。かつては氏神(うじがみ)に参拝する習慣があったが、近年は有名な寺社に参拝する人が多い。参拝者は賽銭(さいせん)を投げ入れてその年の幸運を願い、おみくじを引いてその年の運勢を占う。お守りやだるま・破魔矢などの縁起物を購入する人も多い。大晦日(おおみそか)の深夜から正月三箇日にかけて、有名な神社や寺は初詣の人々でにぎわう。