Melayu ArchipelagoBoard

Festivals of Hofflands
(Part of Hofish Culture)

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Chetsumi no Baichata
"Culture of Hofflands"

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Religion(s): Buddhism, Taoism, Doism

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National Language: Chetsu-Tacha (CT)
Language System: Pictographic, Logographic,
Ideographic, Phonetic/Syllabary
Script(s): Chetsu-Tacha Script

Festivals, Holidays and Celebrations of the Kingdom of Hofflands

This is the official page of festivals and holidays celebrated in the Republic of Hofflands, containing the various celebrations, their dates and events, as well as their respective explanations and backgrounds. Hofish festivals have had foreign influences before, specifically from China and Britain - however most of the customs are native to Hofflands.

Certain Hofish festivals are deemed public holidays and as such result in work/school leaves. Hofflands is also a majority Buddhist country, therefore many of the festivals are Buddhist-derived/themed. Taoism and local animistic customs are also practiced together, collectively known as "Doism", as well as ancestor and spirit worship.

January

New Year's Day

New Year’s Day, also known as The New Year’s Greeting Festival (CT: Meshache Tachi), is one of the most important Hofish Festivals in Hoffland that takes place every year on January 1st. As the name suggests, it marks the first day of the new year and the new year as a whole thus it is a grand celebration that is observed by everyone in Hoffland and Hofish communities around the world.

Hofish people would wake up early, wash their faces and then go to witness the first sun rise of the new year. It is important that people wash their faces first as it symbolizes the start of a new year and the passing on of the past. After which, one person would bring the ashes of the “Past Year Paper Doll” that was burnt prior to the Midnight of yesterday to be buried or thrown into a nearby body of water. The “Past Year Paper Doll” is a figurine made of paper that depicts the angry face of a man. Inside the doll, a lengthy piece of paper which contains all the documented unfortunate events that occurred during the past year written on it is placed. The doll is then burned before midnight (at around 23:30-23:50) to symbolize the leave of the past year and its events along with it. On New Year’s Day, the ashes are taken to an isolated area far from the host’s home. Some might even go as far as to travel to mountainous areas and throw them into the wind.

After the first sunrise, one must go around the house drinking a glass of fruit juice in several parts of the home. This is believed to be an act of “waking up the house” and thus to get ready for the new year.

Alternatively, food is then prepared to be offered to the New Year. Hofish beliefs state that each year is governed by a different deity representing different animals in the Chinese Zodiac. The altars of the home are presented with offerings as well as offerings presented on a table facing the entrance or open window. The New Year Altar usually consists of an incense holder, two candles (one on each side), two vases of flowers (one on each side), small cups of water and tea, and offerings consisting of fruit and desserts. It is common to see offerings such as fruits, meat buns, Hofish desserts, and rice. Notice here how rice wine, which is typically offered as a drink to spirits and deities, are not offered on this day and I’ll tell you why soon. Traditional Hofish Food is often offered as it believed that the spirits and deities are more accustomed to them.

After the offerings are prepared and presented, Hofish people take the time to prepare themselves by showering and wearing new clothes. Windows and doors are opened to invite in the new year and good energy. After preparing themselves, the incense is burned and placed into the holder. They would pray for good health, fortune and luck for themselves as well as for their family members and friends. Sets of 3 incense sticks are burnt continuously.

After the sets are burnt, the offerings are respectfully taken and eaten by the hosts. The incense holder is then taken and placed in the middle of the room along with two cups of tea. Individual sticks of incense are continuously burnt until 12PM. This action is considered to be keeping the new year company. Around the incense holder, the host would be eating the offerings, sipping tea and quietly enjoying the new year day. Traditionally, tangerines and sweets are eaten.

These New Year Offerings are more than just food - they usually symbolize an aspect of the New Year we all need. The fruits represent health for the coming year. Oranges, in particular, also symbolize wealth. The meat buns represent strength and longevity. The pastries represent wealth and the sweets represent joy and happiness.

On New Year’s day, the consumption of oranges are highly encouraged. It is said that the sweeter the orange, the healthier you will be during the year. The more sour the orange, the wealthier you will be during the year.

Hofish people also put up New Year decorations. These include the hanging of a New Year's Charm on doors/windows and the display of Lucky Bamboo plants.

As well as practices being exercised, taboos are also heavily observed on this day. These taboos are strict and in turn are strictly followed. These include:

1) You must not wear black clothing on this day as the color black is often associated with death and bad luck thus it is not something you want to associate the new year with.

2) You should not shout or create any loud noises as this is believed to create future ruckus, arguments and fights. Alternatively, you should not break anything.

3) You must eat 3 complete meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) as failure to do so is believed to cause poverty and in turn hunger for you during the new year.

4) You must not disrespect anyone as this is believed that you will be mad for the rest of the year. Alternatively, you should not swear.

5) You must not consume alcoholic drinks on this day as it represents drunkenness thus it is believed to cause unnecessary risks, arguments, crime and death during this year. This is why rice wine is not offered during New Year’s Day.

6) You must not lie heavily as it is believed that you will fall for scams in the coming year if you do.

The New Year’s Greeting Festival is very important in Hofish culture thus it is taken very seriously.

February

Winter's End Festival

The Festival of Winter's End (CT: Moge Gamo Tachi) is an annual festival in Hoffland which marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The festival usually falls on the end of the month of February, typically February 28/29. As with Hofish tradition, the festival is celebrated through the burning of The Sky Flower (CT: Dobashi), as stated by the legend of which this festival was derived from.

Once upon a time, a heavy winter hit Hofflands. There was no snow, but it was extremely freezing. The harsh wind and never ending cold meant that people were plagued with flu and winter diseases. Crops couldn’t grow properly and the Sun was hidden away behind the dark clouds for days on end. It is said that Bachado, the Sun deity, was struck by an arrow and fell ill. This meant that the souls of the second realm were in grave danger. However, one monk decided that he would not let his people down. One day, he went up to the mountains and prayed to the gods for help. After hearing his plea, they organized a plan. On the last day of the second month, the day the monk went up to pray, the gods sent down brightly-lit flower lanterns from the sky which warmed both the skies and land. This is believed to be the Hofish observation of “shooting stars” which they would always observe after winter and during the coming spring.

During the festival, The Sky Flower is burnt to commemorate the event and signify the end of winter. As with Hofish superstition, a Fire-Spirit Summoner is offered an alcoholic drink and burnt to signify the given permission and protection to burn an object outside. On top of The Sky Flower is an incense stick which symbolizes the aid from the gods. After the ritual is completed, the festival is over.

March

Independence Day

Taking place every year on March 19th, Dokuta Ba - or, Independence Day - celebrates Hofish independence from British rule, commemorating the Gechoshi Revolt on the same day in 1947.

April

Fire-Flower Festival

This festival (CT: Chi-Bashi no Tachi (Festival of the Fire Flower)) is celebrated to commemorate and celebrate the Hofish legend of drought. A year long drought plagued a small Hofish village in modern day North Gishache during which the Sun was described as a red orb of anger. The village documents stated the presence of a lake somewhere near the village.

The villagers decided to move closer to this area thus they sent a young man to explore. During his journey, he discovered a batch of flowers growing in a dry, water-less field. The myriad of colors amazed the man, who wanted to bring them back to his village. However, upon plucking one, the flower burst into flames. The man immediately let go and the flower fell into the batch.

The bush went from a hellish fire to blown ashes. After the encounter, the man returned to his village, to find his fellow villagers dancing in the rain. After he told the others of the story, they all went to the field and discovered that it was filled with water. The lake was returned and the Sun was forever shining happily.

The festival is celebrated all throughout Hofflands. Every street is filled with food stalls, street performers, religious altars and cart shops. The Hofish visit shrines during the day, and party during the evening. When they return home, they will burn a flower-shaped lantern filled and decorated with matchsticks. After that, the festival is over.

The festival, both as a reminder of the past and a way to welcome the rainy season, is usually celebrated a few days prior to the Spring Festival, typically taking place on April 10/11.

The Spring Festival

The Spring Festival (CT: Bashache Tachi) is the annual 3-day festival that occurs in mid April, usually April 13-15, and which celebrates the arrival of the rainy season. The Spring Festival is related to Khmer New Year, Thingyan, Songkran and Pi Mai as one of the festivities include the splashing of others with water. People gather on the streets for stalls, parades and water fights. Water is significant during the festival as it symbolizes the coming rain. The story of the celebration of the Spring Festival is the same as the ancient Hindu story out of which the other celebrations have stemmed out from.

It is rather important to note that the festival is not and should not be referred to as the "Hofish New Year" as HNY occurs on January 1st, during which the "New Year's Greeting Festival" is celebrated to symbolize the Hofish New Year. As well as water fights, Hoffland has another past time to partake in. Firstly, an altar is set up for the Buddhist deity who would be in charge of the heavens. The altar is propped with fruits, flowers, candles, water, an incense holder and a silver bowl of water. The silver bowl contains water and flowers as well as being scented with perfume. This bowl is important as it has two meanings. The first meaning is that it symbolizes the coming rain. The second meaning is that it is the old West Hofish style of welcoming someone to one's home.

The Hofish also enjoy a nation-favorite treat known as the Chetsu Tangomi (Gold Pastry). Chetsu Tangomi are a sweet pastry made of rice flour and filled with a sweet, yellow paste. The paste is encompassed by the rice flour pastry, which gives it it's "hidden gold" image which is named after. These are enjoyed with tea as the Hofish generally celebrate this festival peacefully.

May

N/A

June

N/A

July

Mid-year Thanksgiving Festival

The Hofish Mid-year Thanksgiving Festival (CT: Meshache no Tayi Tachi (Mid-year Festival)) is an annual festival that usually falls on July 1st which is often perceived as the middle point of the year. During the festival, deities and ancestral shrines are lined with offerings. A special altar is then set up to offer offerings to the Gods. During the festival, people wish for one of two things. If they have had a good first half of the year (Jan to July), they set up offerings to show their gratitude and "give thanks", hence the name. Alternatively, if they have had a bad half first half of the year, the festival altars offer people the opportunity to wish and pray for better outcomes during the second half of the year (July to Dec).

Offerings are also set outside to wandering spirits in the same manner. They are set as to show gratitude for their peaceful manner as well as to pray for their help in our daily lives. Offerings set to spirit are usually minor. However, spirit bowls are filled to brim with many, many offerings provided by the homes nearby. These mini altars are set of on bamboo platters and are decorated with spirit lines, also known as "Micha Shiratsa-se", which are there to symbolize the presence of wandering spirits and to show that they have permission to access the offerings set.

The offerings displayed are usually a plate of fruits, a tea set, and a set of pastries.

Festival of the Golden Bells

The Festival of the Golden Bells (CT: Chetsu-Gatabe Tachi (Golden Bell Festival)) is a festival which occurs annually on July 5. The festival commemorates the ancient legend of a mother and her lost son.

After her son went eastwards to fulfill a government position, a mother soon found herself living alone in her village hut. A lonely mother soon turned distraught after hearing of her son’s death as a result of a cliff accident during his journey. Her home soon turned dead silent as her son’s usual voice was no where to be found. All she wanted was to see him again one last time. One day, she was approached by a spirit in her dream who gave her instructions on how she could see her son one last time. He stated that her son’s spirit still lingers the earth and is simply lost from his home. To bring him back, the mother would first have to find two golden bells. Then, she will need to hang one of them by the window and ring the other every night from sun set till sun rise for seven days. He explained that spirits can only travel freely at night and that young spirits like her son was blind. They will only regain vision when they are retrieved and sent to Hell for their trials. As is the case, the golden bells allow his spirit to return home as the closer he gets, the louder the ringing becomes. She woke up with dried tears and was set to work. She had her only golden jewelry melted and cast into two bells. One set was a hand-held bell with an oak handle. The other was a series of small bells attached to a single string. She hung the latter by an open window, and rang the other continuously for seven nights, during which she never slept. Despite the rain and thunder, she never stopped ringing. Despite her weak arms, she never stopped ringing. Despite the neighbors asking her to stop, she never stopped ringing. On the seventh night, the bells she hung by the window began to ring. It was a sign that her son’s spirit had found his way home. As she slept that night, she was visited by him. They had their final conversation and soon after an official funeral was put into place, funded by the neighbors who heard of the tragedy and were both sympathetic and impressed by her act.

The Festival of The Golden Bells reminds us of the love and care of our parents, grandparents and guardians alike. It is a time when children thank their parents, no matter how old they are or whether or not they are still alive. Families would decorate by hanging a series of golden bells on windows, doors, and gates. Children would spend time with their parents whilst the parents give gifts to theirs. Altars are set up for the ancestors, and shrines and temples alike are all propped up for worshippers during the day. A special exhibit is also featured. It is a large golden bell with a log attached to the ceiling in order to ring it. Families would ring this bell together and pray for good fortune. Families would then celebrate the night with a feast.

It is said if the decorated bells ring during the festival, it is a sign of upcoming good fortune. If the bells fall, then it is a sign of upcoming bad luck.

Longan Festival

The Hofish Fertility Festival, also known as the Longan Festival (CT: Meshashi Tachi), is the annual festival celebrating and commemorating Hofish fertility and Kumiwa, the Hofish Deity of Fertility. The 23rd of July is often deemed in Hofish Mythology as the day Kumiwa's heavenly beauty was recognized by the god Ishisaki, who took her as his wife - lifting her from her position as a mortal to that of a goddess as Kumiwa, the symbol of feminine charm, grace, intelligence and fertility.

The Hofish Fertility Festival falls on mid-July which is the seasonal part of the year when Longans ripen, hence its alternative name as the Longan Festival. People buy and eat longans during the festival in the hopes of being blessed with great fertility, as well as gift them to family and friends to wish them the same fate. Longan fruits are eaten by young people, primarily young males and females, while elders enjoy longan tea and longan desserts. Homes are also decorated with longans. They are hung on windows, gates and doors in pairs, attached together with red string. Pairs of longans symbolize love, harmony and fertility between couples. A branch of longans and leaves are also displayed as a centerpiece. Longans are also offered to spirits. They are placed as offerings outside the home along with incense and spirit lines known as "Micha Shiratsa-se". Longans are also placed as offerings to deities and on ancestral shrines. Temples hold temporary shrines dedicated to Kumiwa where people go to pray.

Often regarded as Hofish Valentine's Day, couples and newly-weds pray for fertility and eternal love as well as spend the day and night together.

At night, an altar to Kumiwa is set up at home. These altars often have three common things - a bowl of pure water, a longan branch, and a candle. The bowl of water represents the goddess's purity, grace, charm and beauty, the longan branch represents fertility and the candle represents Kumiwa's presence and blessings. Some people also offer cosmetic products as it is believed that Kumiwa's blessings will enhance the product and its effectiveness. Men and women pray for good looks and good partners in the future.

August

N/A

September

Mid-Autumn Festival

The Hofish population looks forward to this event every year. Indeed, the Moon Festival, or 中秋节 (Zhōngqiū jié) (CT: Bechado no Tachi (Festival of the Moon Goddess) or Domeshache no Tayi Tachi (Festival of the Mid-Autumn Season)), is celebrated throughout Hoffland during the mid autumn season. Like most Southeast Asian countries, activities such as moon worship and the eating of moon cakes is practiced in Hoffland.

Prior to the Festival, the Hofish population flocks the market, buying boxes and boxes of moon cakes before they run dry. These pastries of Chinese origin are to be offered to the deities, then eaten or gifted to a family member or friend. Moon cakes sold in Hoffland tend to be filled with a sweet bean paste, along with other varieties such as pandan, durian, lotus, cream, and salted-egg flavors.

During the Festival, the altars of the home are presented with offerings, with the moon cakes being the main display. During the night, altars will be set up facing towards the moon. These altars are decorated with flower vases, candles and an incense holder. Offerings include moon cakes, rice cake, fruits, joss paper and a platter of cosmetic and scented products such as combs and perfumes. A bowl of perfume-scented water with flower petals inside is placed in the middle of the altar. Beside the incense holder are a pair candle holders. Behind the incense holder are pair of water-filled glasses and a tea set. The incense is lit, the homeowner prays and the celebration begins.

After the worshiping of the moon, children would come outside with their lanterns and walk in groups around the neighborhood. Most lanterns are bought but some traditional homemade lanterns are also in use. The adults would get together outside - neighbors would come together in one house to have tea and moon cakes, during which are exchanged from one person to another. They are not allowed to consume alcohol during this time as it is believed to be extremely rude to consume alcohol when a deity is present (the moon goddess). Additionally, it could also bring about fights and arguments which would ruin a night of peace and beauty. Chatting whilst consuming mooncakes and tea is a traditional Moon Festival pastime in Hoffland.

Unlike other Southeast Asian counties, Hoffland has two additional unique ways to celebrate. Firstly, prior to the festival, a religious object called a “Spirit House” (CT: Micha no Chebima (Home of the spirit)) would be present. These could be bought or handmade but it is believed that making one yourself makes the object more personal and thus seen as more of a gift. The spirit House is a small wooden house traditionally made with bamboo, but nowadays people tend to use tongue depressors. It is a wall-less structure with a triangular roof (like a gazebo). Written on the house is “Domeshache no Chebima” or “House of Mid-Autumn”. It resembles a stilt house, commonly found in the rural areas of Southeast Asian countries. It has a mini 1-stick incense holder on each of the four corners. These structures are meant to be a temporary residence for wandering spirits to celebrate the festival as well. They will be offered food and three drinks: water, tea and rice wine. It is important to remember that these spirits are to be served AFTER the goddess has been served. The next day, the offerings are removed and the homeowner must alert the spirits within that it’s time to come out. Then, the offered drinks will be poured onto the roof of the spirit house. After which, he/she will dismantle the structure starting with the roof and will dispose of the rest (including the food offerings). Some people like to dispose the entire structure under a tree to let nature take care of the rest. Note that these structures are meant to be temporary structures, not permanent ones.

Secondly, a second Moon Altar is set up. This altar in particular is Hofish styled and can be found in every house during the festival. The Hofish would display a set, usually a pair, of bamboo bouquets, a bowl of scented water, and an incense stick. This practice is said to have originated from an old Hofish folktale.

It is said that every year during the Moon Festival, the Moon Goddess descends from her lunar abode onto the earth where she will spread blessings to each household to commemorate the mid-autumn harvests. However, when demons and ghouls heard about this, they concocted a devious plan of their own. During the night of the festival, they would disguise themselves as the Moon Goddess and trick the humans into letting them inside after which they will eat all the crops harvested. Many people fell for their deception, and by the time the Moon Goddess arrived, she was treated with extreme hostility. Among the chaos and confusion, she firstly healed the hosts who had initially treated her rudely of their injuries and asked them why they were this way. After prostrating themselves and begging for forgiveness, they explained everything to the goddess, who came up with a plan of her own. She told the family to prepare two things - a bowl of pure water and a set of bamboo branches. As bamboos are a holy plant, they will scare away demons and ghosts who plan to deceive the household. Then, offer the supposed "goddess" some water from the bowl. When a demon's image is reflected onto water, an image of their true selves will appear, regardless of how well disguised they are. She said that she will return tomorrow night to continue her annual routine. Word quickly spread, and soon each household was equipped with the necessary precautions. The next night, the demons were about to pull off their stunt again when the sight of bamboo of scared and confused them. Still, they decided to continue as they thought that it was just some new decoration trend. When they approached a house, they were offered some water from a bowl. They stared directly at the bowl, and both the homeowner and the demon saw the hideous imaged reflected on the water. The homeowner immediately grabbed the bamboo set and began chasing the demons away, all the while severely injuring said demons. As "goddesses" came and went, the true Moon Goddess finally appeared. After passing her own test, the festivities of such a night can once again be celebrated. People have been displaying said items ever since. However, it is said that it is best to display them for two nights, with the bowl of water renewed on the second night.

October

N/A

November

Candle Night

Candle Night (CT: Chibe Doba), is the yearly celebration that marks the end of Autumn and the procession to winter. The Hofish believe that along with the passing of the months, the passing of one’s sins also takes place thus the celebration focuses on the cleansing of one’s soul. The celebration is based on the Hofish story of “Harusa and The 5000 Deeds”.

On the last Friday of November (when Harusa went in the river), the people of Hoffland celebrate the holy night by traveling towards the Great Eastern River to pray. People take dips into the river briefly and place offerings to gods and deities. At home, a small altar is set up. On this altar is a metallic bowl of water, sprayed with perfume and decorated with flowers. A small wooden platform with three candles is placed on it. The three candles represent the three virtues Harusa gained - Compassion, Wisdom, and Patience. The bowl can be decorated and lit either inside or outside. People pray as they rinse them self with the holy water (droplets of water is splashed onto people with the help of a cluster of bamboo leaves). During the night, you are not allowed to shout, swear, make loud noises, inflict pain to others or break things.

Another practice is often seen during the Festival. Known as “Corner Candling”, homeowners would light up a candle and press it onto four corners of their main door and window. The wax left on the four corners is believed to be protection from bad luck and evil spirits.

December

Festival of the Winter Ornament

This is when the religious winter ornament, the Checha no Dota (Family's Blessing), is made and hung. The ornament is believed to keep the residents of a household together in perfect harmony during the winter season. This practice is believed to have originated from an ancient Hofish legend, and usually takes place in mid-December.

According to legend, there lived a man who was destitute and impoverished. He had no one by his side - no family, no friends, no one. He wanted to live a good life by raising his own family, something he did not have. The gods saw his state and sent him 5 children, each with the attributes of a warm and loving family. One child was the strongest of them all - even stronger than the man. One child was a prodigy whose wisdom can outwit even the wisest of philosophers. One child was a skilled craftsman whose hands can craft, build, fix, cook and/or play anything. One child was an energetic and mature bloke whose words and actions could bring even the most bitter of rivals together. However, the last child had no skills; he was simply a normal kid. But there was one among them who was secretly a deity. The man was put under a test. The children would live with him for a year and the gods would judge his soul based on how he treated his family.

The man woke up to his gift and thanked the gods. The family of 6 began living in harmony. For once, the man felt peace in his life. As time passed, a year soon passed by and the gods were surprised by the results. The man had treated and loved his children equally, regardless of their skills and attributes. The normal child soon showed the man his true form and asked the man for anything he wanted. Riches and power was now in the man’s hands. To their surprise again, the man wished for a family - a real one this time. His wish was granted as he soon met a beautiful girl with whom he had a family with as well lived the rest of his days with.

The ornament is a symbol of the unity that keeps a family together. It is made from a bamboo stick decorated with strips of colored paper (previously dyed leather) and hung on walls, windows, entrances, gates, etc. The string that holds the bamboo stick will have the names of a household’s residents tied to it on paper. The colors of the colored paper are:
Red: Strength
Yellow: Unity
Green: Intelligence
Blue: Skills and craftsmanship
White: Faith

Winter Dragon Festival

This festival is the Hofish version of the Chinese Dōngzhì Festival and takes place on the same day. Known as the Winter Dragon Festival (CT: Gamo Doji no Tachi (The Festival of the Winter Dragon)), the legend states that every year, a white dragon migrates from its mountainous home in the North to the warm waters down South. Upon doing so, he brings huge gusts of cold wind to the people of Hoffland. He is said to return home during the Spring.

During one migration, the dragon came across a huge cloud of dust, damaging his eyes. His vision became blurry and he fell to the ground, unable to continue on his journey. The season became warmer than expected, which led a lot of people to worry. One night, an old man dreamt that a deity advised him to make a dessert of glutinous rice balls served in a warm sweet ginger broth; however the rice balls should be brightly colored. He was then instructed to stick the rice balls not used in the broth around his house. The old woke up and spread the news to his villagers. With this, the dragon got up, smelled the rice balls and began to fly towards them. However, though his sense of smell was strong, his vision was still lacking thus he did not know where to go. Then, he saw the bright colors of the rice balls and knew that this was the Southern village thus he was flying in the correct direction. After taking refuge in its winter home, the dragon eventually recovered. Since, people have been decorating their homes with colored glutinous rice balls to symbolize and bring in good fortune and energy, along with the symbolic meaning of unity and perseverance.

Prior to the festival, a religious object known as a Spirit Summoner is made/bought. In this case, the Spirit Summoner will be representing the Winter Dragon. Two of them are needed during this event. During the festival, people prepare the colored glutinous rice balls and the sweet syrup they are served in. Some of the rice balls are taken to decorate the exterior of the house by pressing them on corners of doors, walls and windows. Then, an altar facing the entrance or open window will be created by placing a bowl of the glutinous rice balls in syrup, two cups of tea and some treats along with an incense holder in front of them. Then, one of the Spirit Summoners will be burnt outside the home to symbolize the arrival and welcoming of the Winter Dragon. The incense is then lit (this is believed to be offering food to the winter dragon passing by, bringing with him cold winds and fortune). After the set of incense is finished, the second Spirit Summoner is burnt outside, symbolizing his departure. The family will get together to enjoy bowls of the glutinous rice bowls in syrup whilst sipping tea.

Christmas

Christmas (Chetsu-Tacha: Ku-Ri-Su-Ma-Su / Tabe-cha no Gamo Tachi (White People’s Winter Festival)) is one of Hoffland’s cherished foreign-brought holidays, taking place on December 24-25. Though Hoffland celebrates Christmas, it is NOT IN ANY WAY CHRISTIAN. We only partake in the festivities of the holiday; not the religious parts of it.

Christmas is believed to have been brought over from Britain during the colonial era. Over time, the concepts of the Christmas Tree, Santa Claus, gift exchanges, etc, soon followed.

On Christmas Eve, families would gather and enjoy a great feast. Traditional dishes include a poultry dish, a soup dish, fruity beverages and a cake. The home is decorated and special Hofish items are put up.

First we have Dota Ornament (CT: Checha no Dota (Family's Blessing)), a colorful item hung on the main door or on a window. This traditional practice is believed to keep the family warm through the cold days of winter. It is said that the outside cold can cause a family to separate thus the colorful brightness of the ornament is believed to lighten up the mood and keep the family harmonious. It is comprised of a long bamboo stick with colorful paper on it. In the olden days, they used dyed leather. Nowadays, people tend to use either paper or fabric. A string is tied to both ends of the stick and hung later. Tied onto the string are papers with the names of the family members. People can decorate the ornament appropriately as they wish. It is hung during Christmas and taken down during New Years.

Then we have the Kinara, or Checha no Chibe (Family Candles). This item resembles that of the Kinara Candles lit during the African holiday of Kwanza. The construction is the same but it only consists of three candles representing the three balances of a family: the Peace within the family, the Fortune that comes in and the Longevity shared by each member. The candles would be lit using the traditional Kin, a traditional stick wrapped in red string. The Kinara is lit on Christmas Eve. After dinner, the family would get together and the children would make wishes to the Kinara, as per tradition. It is lit until bedtime, during which it is blown.

People also leave out milk and cookies for San-Ta-Ka-La-O-Su or Santa Chatsu (Mr. Santa) / Gamo no Dosha-Biku (Old man of the Winter)), our name for Santa Claus.

When morning arrives, Christmas Day begins. Children receive gifts and family members gift each other and their friends. People drink traditional winter drinks such as Potato Soup (see Hofish Cuisine).

And with that, Christmas has been celebrated.

Shira-Hashido

<30th December>

December 30th is known as Cleaning Day (Hashi Do) a day when homes and businesses get cleaned. Floors are swept and furniture is dusted.

This is also the day when the "Past Year Doll" is made. This doll is made of paper in the shape of an angry man with a list of all the past year's documented unfortunate events in his stomach. "Mr. Old Year", as he is referred to, is the manifestation of the past year. The doll is made and decorated. After it is finished, it is hung on top doors/windows to act as a 'filter' of misfortune as it is believed that bad luck tends to cluster during the last few days of the year. This doll is to be burnt on New Year's Eve as an act of the passing of both the past year and its events.

<31st December>

December 31st is commonly known as New Year's Eve, but in the West, this takes place at night. In Hofflands, the whole day is associated with rituals to prepare for the new year. This day is known as Shirado (Bamboo Day), named after the ritual "Bamboo Sweeping". Bamboos are a holy plant in Hofflands, and on this day people would open their doors and windows then hit their walls and floors with a bundle of bamboos tied together with red string while shouting "Miji wa sato, Dochetsu wa sani!" which means "Demons out, Fortune in!" to drive away bad luck and misfortune. This spiritual cleaning is believed to prepare one's home for the new year. People also make Meshache no Tangomi-ku, New Year's Rice cakes, to eat during the new year.

It is on this day that another festivity is observed. After the hitting of the walls, a family member would don a special mask made specifically for this occasion. The "mask" is actually a collection of four separate masks each depicting the face of a demon. These demons are known as The 4 Demons of Misfortune and among them include the Demon of Sickness (Sawachaye Miji), the Demon of Poverty (Sawachetsu Miji), the Demon of Anger (Chabichi Miji) and the Demon of Pain (Chiye Miji). These demons are said to have accumulated as the year moves forward and they represent the misfortunes of the past year. The Bamboo Sweeping was to drive to them from each corner of the house and the masked family member, usually the youngest member, represented their presence. Then the other family members would chase them around the house, all the while hitting them with the bamboo cluster and shouting the same phrase as before. After three consecutive rounds around the house, the mask will be swapped to represent a different demon in that order. After a total of twelve rounds, the family would throw a handful of roasted chestnuts at the now exhausted and weak demon. The ceremony ends when the family throw another handful of roasted chestnuts outside, followed by an outside dive by the family member and the slamming of the door, signifying the "throwing out" of the past year misfortunes and the purification of the household. The demon mask is then burnt outside and 4 chestnuts are thrown into the fire, signifying the carrying away of the misfortunes back down to Hell where they belong. The festival is concluded with the eating of the rest of the chestnuts. Some people also perform Ngomi Tasato ("Rice Throwing") which is the act of swirling a handful of raw rice grains around each member's head and around the house and then thrown outside, usually to a group of pigeons. It is believed that after eating the grains, the pigeons will carry away with them bad luck.

As stated before, chestnuts - roasted chestnuts, in particular - are traditionally eaten on this day. The Chetsu-Tacha name for chestnuts is “Mijibo Shashi”, which means “Demon’s Eye Fruit” as the horrifying exterior of chestnuts resemble that of a demonic eye. Eating these are said to scare demons away. However, they should not be eaten on the next day, which is New Year’s Day. This is because the consumption of chestnuts represents “good riddance” thus eating on on New Year’s Day is seen as ‘wishing for the year to be over already’, which is considered a rude act according to superstition.

These ceremonies are done so to purify and rid the house of any misfortune and bad luck to make room for the incoming good fortune and good luck during the new year.