n") originally referred to the eve of any of the 24 divisions of the solar year (see The Lunar Calendar in Japan for an explanation of these divisions)."3. Lunar Calendar in Japan 4. "Setsubun achieved the status of an imperial event and further took on symbolic and ritual significance relative to its association with prospects for a "returning sun", associated climatic change, renewal of body and mind, expulsion of evil, symbolic rebirth, and preparation for the coming planting season." 5. "Setsubun generally always precedes the lunar New Year, and in the ancient ideal was often actually referred to as New Years' Eve. In 2000, solar and lunar cycles coincided enough to make the ideal almost real in that February 4th marked Risshun (Spring Begins), and February 5th was the actual lunar New Year in both China and Japan."III. Happy New Year New Year in Japan [] This is the Jappanese symbol for the term "happy new year". It is a combination of the chatacters for sun and moon. According to the Japanese...Sun+Moon= new dawn and change...thus happy new year.1. This character sometimes refers to the planet Venus...Venus is either "Kinsei"(gold star) or "Myou Jyou"(bright dawning star). 2. "Akema*censored*e Omedetou Gozaimasu" is the term for happy new year but it literally means: "The year is changing... darkness gives way to light... new life begins... Congratulations!" Why? "In ancient lore (under the lunar calendar), the New Year was seen in relation to change in both the sun and moon as well as the symbolism of their luminance"3. The Chinese and Japanese calendars are based on a 12 year cycle...this 12 year cycle is "based on positions of Jupiter with its 12 year orbit (and consequent position about the ecliptic". IV. Yowatashi Boshii...Japanese Lore Associated with Orion Japanese Lore Associated with Orion 1. Orion is a Yowatashi Boshii star...one of the "passing the night stars" "This phrase was applied to prominent...
