JAPANESE SANTA

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19374, 24 December 1932, Page 9

JAPANESE SANTA

FESTIVAL OF THE EAST The children of the land of the Rising Sun know nothing of the mysterious joys of Christmastide — Christmas as we know it—but the name of Hotel, or Hoteiosho, a celebrated Chine-e priest, revered for his consideration for children, means to the Japanese boys aiid girls what Santa Claus signifies to English boys and girls.

Hotei, personified in Japane:e art as a god of joviality and kindness, is represented with an immense sack, gathering together good,'things for his young Nipponese friend/-. He is also pictured with a large bag on his shoulder, surrounded by sixteen playful boys. Hotei Is said to have eyes la the back of his head and to be able to see around comers, thus finding out whether the little on.\s are good or naughty, deserving of presents or not. The first day of the New Year to the Japanese is a day of universal rejoicing for both young and old. The ceremony of mamemaki, bean-thl'.w-ing, is a popular feature of the preparations for this holiday. There is a prevailing superstition among the Japanese that evil spirits about the house must be driven out before the dawn of the New Year. On the last night of the old year the house is swept thoroughly and the windows and doors hung with ferns. The father of the house, dressed in his very best clothes, goes through all the rooms. The parent provides himself with a portion of dried beans and these he throws into the corners and other parts, crying aloud: "Demons depart! Good luck enter!” The young folk pick up the cry. frolicking and laughing, till the house has been covered thoroughly. Demons have a great aversion to beans, according to the belief of the Japanese.

EMBARRASSING FOR AUNTIE It was Christmas Day, and the family. which included little Bobbie, the pride and hope of the home, were seated at the festive board. Aunt Jane, owing to monetary expectations, was a favoured guest. Presently Bobby gazed at his aunt and then at the clock. ‘‘lt’s still going," he exclaimed. ‘ What do you mean, dear?” queried his mother, expecting a bright answer. “Well,” replied Bobbie, “I heard Pa say that Aunt Jane’s face would stop a clock, and the clock hasn’t stopped yet.”

In many districts of the West of England the Christmas cake is decorated with candles in reference to the prophecy of Simeon, who, as he held the infant Christ in his arms, said: “He shall be a light to lighten the Gentiles."