Alongside the summer ancestor festival of Obon, Oshogatsu is one of the most sacred of Japanese animist and magical traditions.  During the Japanese New Year, we welcome Toshigami into our homes.  Traditions vary as to whether Toshigami is the kami of the New Year, grain or our collective ancestors, but the principle remains that we must prepare our homes for their arrival.  In this class, we will cover the history of this sacred holiday and the rituals associated with it, including cleansing and purifying, cord cutting, sacred decor, traditional foods, and the closing of the spiritual container that is held during this time.  This class will include a small tasting of osechi ryori (New Years dishes).  For those especially sensitive, the dishes will be separated to not cross-contaminate allergens.  Allergens: fish, shellfish, soy, kelp, egg, chestnuts, legumes.

IN-PERSON - link to registration