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Jeepney Press / Mae Grace
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In Keeping With Meaningful New Year’s Traditions
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by Mae Grace
Happy New Year, everyone! January may seem a respite from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, but not quite. Di pa po tapos itabi lahat ng mga Christmas and New Year’s decors dito sa bahay. Anyhow, it is so interesting to experience that every new year in Japan comes with it so much tradition and family practices that make us transition to the new year with confidence and faith in our God and in ourselves whatever the challenges that may lie ahead.
This year, one of the traditions that hubby and I decided to experience was to take a peek at the plum trees of Kyodo No Mori in Fuchu City. We are just in the middle of this harsh winter and we didn’t expect to see any flowers at all. Imagine our surprise and joy to see little buds growing so well and lovely from their bare twigs and seemingly dead branches! The sight was so beautiful it could make you cry.
Plums are considered the first flowers of the year and are called, “the herald of spring”. They also signify the end of winter and are admired for their perseverance and resilience for how they can possibly bloom in the freezing and harsh cold of winter. The light and dark pink colors represent purity and renewal. A good way to start the new year, right? Cousin to the plum blooms are the “robai” flowers that were already abloom in the park. “Ro” stands for their candle like smoothness and “bai” means they are related to the plums.
A short stroll along the Tamagawa River just across from the park directed our gaze to the nearly setting sun just beside the magnificent silhouette of Mt Fuji, clearly visible because of the dry winter air. What a day, full of meanings, and hearts that are grateful!