Rhea's Section for Group 5

For my section of the group project I will be going in depth about the traditional celebrations. These include holidays and festivals like the firework festival or events like sakura viewing. I’m interested to see what locals were able to do at these festivals and what they meant in their time. Transitioning into what they mean in today's Japanese society, from a modern cultural perspective, and how 21st century values have changed the traditional practice for better or worse. I also wanted to see the traditional clothing for these festivals like kimonos or yukatas and if they are still used just as much in today's society as they were back then. Also looking at the meaning of the patterns on the traditional wear and what they mean metaphorically. Most of these events took place on or around religious or spiritual grounds. I want to find out the significance to why they are practiced there, and if the traditional practices still hold true in current eras. Some questions I thought would be helpful in my research were: What are all the popular events/ holidays of the later years? (Where there many events back then or only a few festivals compared to now?) Why people kept these traditional cultures alive? (what impact did the historical aspects of these events have on modern day society?) When was the kimono made? What does it represent? How to put it on? (are they a necessity? Or just something fun to wear now?) Popular shines to visit and what those Gods or Goddesses represent? (looking at the architecture and meaning behind why some temples where built). After I take a look at the past I wanted to see how aspects of these holidays changed into the modern day equivalent. Things like incorporating western holidays and slightly changing previous holidays to meet a more modern perspective is how I can jump back into the modern culture. With this I wanted to look at holidays like Christmas and New Year and how it has changed through Japan’s history. As well as some of the more odd traditions Japan made up with these holidays like the infamous KFC on Christmas tradition. I also wanted to talk briefly about how relationships tie into these holidays. For example, opposite to western beliefs Christmas is spent with a lover while New Years is with the family in Japan, something that would otherwise be flipped here in Canada or America. Continuing by looking at the relationships and rules surrounding Valentines day and Japan’s White day as well. During 2019's abroad study students may get the chance to experience the Sanja Matsuri festival with locals. It is a large festival with interesting history that I think would be beneficial to my section on this project.