Extra Holidays

Coming of Age Day in Japan

In Japan, they have a special holiday that is recognized on the second Monday of January, therefore, there is no specific day like other holidays. This particular occasion is called the Coming of Age Day where they celebrate those who have reached the age of 20 years and begin this journey as an officially matured adult. This day can also be named "Adult Day". There are many ways to celebrate this holiday with different ceremonies being attended. The women who have reached adulthood, and are attending the festivities must wear a furisode or kimono. The men who celebrate can wear a men's kimono with hakama or western attire. When dressed for the occasion, those attending may go to the government centers, offices, or city halls where the event will be taken place. Around 11:30 in the morning, photoshoots will be taken of the young men and women along with their families. Speeches will also be said in their honor. There may also be concerts and the attendees may also go to restaurants or bars to celebrate their new adult rights by drinking alcohol.

The History

It has been believed and said that this holiday began in 714 CE, during the reign of Empress Genmei. However, it officially became a holiday in 1948 and was originally said to be celebrated on January 15th year around. Although, they eventually decided to change the holiday to the second Monday in January back in 2000. This holiday wasn't the only one in Japan to fall on a Monday. In 2000, they also enrolled the Happy Monday System, where more public holidays would land on a Monday, thus allowing people, who work, to have more 3-day weekends. Adult Day is one of those public holidays.  

Summary

Country celebrating: JAPAN
Celebrating activities: Women attend festivities wearing a furisode or kimono. The men wear a men's kimono with hakama or western wardrobe. Speeches, photography, concerts, drinking (alcohol)

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Baptism Of The Jesus ~ Christians

On the first Sunday of January, the Christians celebrate the Baptism of Jesus. It is a very important holiday in history to the Christians. Possibly praying or being baptized could be ways of celebrating this special day.

The History

John, the Baptist, was known and considered God's messenger, therefore, he would go around getting people to become baptized or confess their sins. He would also announce when the Messiah was coming.  Later on, Jesus requested John to baptize him, however, John claimed that he was the one needing the ritual instead of Jesus. Later, after John was baptized, Jesus received one as well and he have risen from the water. It was said that he saw the Spirit of God.

Summary

Countries celebrating: Anyone, in any country that is of the Christian religion.
Celebrated activities: No specifics have been found but possibly praying or performing baptism rituals are probably done.

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Mahayana New Year for Buddhism

Mahayana New Year is a particular holiday that is celebrated by Buddhists in many countries around the world every year. There are three different branches of Buddhism. There is the Mahayana, meaning Great Vehicle. It is also used as a certain practice in that one branch, the second branch is Theravada which is different than the Mahayana. The third branch is called the Vajrayana, which is the way of the diamond. Below we will look at the difference between the branches and then look at how this holiday can be celebrated!
Also, take note that this holiday is celebrated differently in different countries. There is also no set date for when this holiday is recognized. Some observe it on December 31st, some on January 1st, some follow a lunar calendar, or celebrate it on the first full moon of the year. So, it varies!

The difference between the Mahayana & Theraveda Buddhism branches

Firstly, Mahayana Buddhism can be practiced in Northeast Asia the most. Specifically in China, Taiwan, Japan, Tibet, Korea, and Mongolia. This is also where bodhisattvas can be taught or where anyone can become one. A bodhisattva is a person who is awakened. Meaning, spiritually aware and enlightenment.

Moving forward, Theravada Buddhism, meaning the School of the Elders, is the oldest of the branches. To become part of this branch, usually, the goal is to become an Arhat. Arhats are those who have insight into nature and reality and have also gained NIrvana, meaning, a state of enlightenment, allowing all suffering or pain or go away. Becoming an Arhat can normally be obtained by meditating and they may also follow the  Noble Eightfold path of Buddhism. This path includes the right meditation, the right speech, the right action, the right emotion, the right effort, the right livelihood, the right vision, and the right mindfulness. This practice is the most popular in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar.

The third branch, Vajrayana, which is the way of the diamond, is also known as Tantric or Esoteric Buddhism, this is also one of the most unique branches of the three. Because this one is so unique, it is also a bit advanced and not recommended for beginners and could be overwhelming if a beginner attempted it. This practice can be found in Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, Northern India, Northern and Southwestern China, Magnolia, and parts of Russia.

Summary

Countries celebrating: (Not exactly to scale, there could be more) ~ Northeast Asia (China, Taiwan, Japan, Tibet, Korea, and Mongolia), Thailand, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, Northern India, Northern, and Southwestern China, Magnolia and parts of Russia
Celebrating activities: Praying, paying homage to their gods, paying respect to Buddhist statues, lighting candles for good luck, self-reflect (learning from past mistakes), cleaning, decorating homes, gifting, buying new items, fireworks, sweets
Three branches of Budhisim: Vajrayana, Mahayan, Theravada

Subject to edits by the instructors