ABSTRACT

The old calendar was Chinese, and New Year's came in February, but the Japanese adopted our calendar and all observance of the old New Year has gradually receded to the country districts or completely died away. New Year observances now center around the first three days of the New Calendar. Preparation for Christmas and the New Year go on at the same time. Christmas is becoming popular, and it is a time for miyage, after the Western custom; but preparation for New Year has some added features, distinguishing their observance from ours. Great preparation is made indoors for callers.