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Celebrate the New Year with Us
December 16th, 2023
Experience Japanese New Year Traditions
EVENT
December 16th 10:00 am - 1:30 pm
Join us as we celebrate New Year's the Japanese way, with exciting traditional workshops!
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This year, we are showcasing three traditional Japanese crafts - mochitsuki, mochibana, and kadomatsu. These demonstrations showcase the craftsmanship and skill that have been a part of these holiday traditions for hundreds of years.
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Join us December 16th to celebrate with us!
All of our New Year workshops are available with purchase of general admission!
Traditional Workshops
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Mochitsuki Demonstration: 10am-10:30am
Watch and learn as we demonstrate the art of Mochi Tsuki, the pounding of glutinous rice to create delicious mochi. This traditional Japanese treat holds a special place in New Year celebrations and has been practiced for hundreds of years.
Mochi Bana Creation: 10:30am-11:30am
Dive into the hands-on process of shaping and decorating mochi to craft beautiful New Year’s decorations known as "Mochi Bana." This creative process allows you to craft ikebana with colorful mochi that embodies the spirit of the New Year.
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Kadomatsu Demonstration: 12pm-1:30pm
Our Garden Curator, Ben Schrepf, will take guests through the construction and symbolism of Kadomatsu, the "gate pines." These stunning decorations grace the entrances of homes, businesses, temples, and shops across Japan during the New Year season. Kadomatsu always come in pairs and feature the "three friends of winter": pine, bamboo, and plum.
This trio, known as Sho Chiku Bai, is a cherished symbol of winter, and its significance can be found throughout Japanese art and decorative arrangements, as well as in other parts of Asia.
Our Garden Curator will guide you step by step in arranging your very own Kadomatsu, allowing you to experience this rich cultural tradition firsthand.
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