While year-end cleaning might seem like a unique Japanese custom, similar practices exist in various countries around the world. However, the timing, purpose, and methods differ depending on the culture.
Japanese Year-End Cleaning (Ōsōji)
Timing: Year-end
Purpose:
To welcome the New Year with a fresh feeling.
To prepare for welcoming the Toshigami (New Year's deity).
To cleanse the body and spirit by removing the year's accumulated dirt.
Characteristics:
Thorough cleaning of every corner of the house.
Disposal of unnecessary items.
Cleaning of areas that are usually difficult to reach.
International Year-End/Seasonal Cleaning
United States:
"Spring cleaning" is performed in the spring.
Cleaning of dirt and dust accumulated during the winter.
Some people also clean before Christmas.
China:
Major cleaning before the Lunar New Year.
Cleaning the house to prepare for the new year.
Decorating with red ornaments to invite good fortune.
South Korea:
Major cleaning before the Lunar New Year.
Cleaning the house to prepare for welcoming ancestors.
Families cooperate in cleaning.
India:
Major cleaning before the Hindu festival of Diwali.
Cleaning the house to prepare for welcoming the goddess Lakshmi.
Decorating the house and lighting lamps.
Islamic countries:
Cleaning before Eid.
Cleaning the house, preparing special meals, and getting ready to receive guests.
Comparison
Japanese year-end cleaning is characterized by cleaning away the year's accumulated dirt at the end of the year.
Overseas, major cleaning is often performed in the spring or before specific festivals.
The purposes vary depending on the culture, such as welcoming the New Year or festivals with a fresh feeling, or inviting good fortune.
Overseas, there is often religious meaning behind the cleaning.
Thus, major cleaning is a culture that exists in various countries around the world, but it has different characteristics depending on each culture.
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