I’d like to wish everyone a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.
The Japanese greet each other in the new year by saying “Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu,” which means, literally, “Congratulations, it started [or opened],” but is usually translated as “Happy New Year.”
I read an article recently that suggested New Year’s Day is just another day, why treat it differently from any other day? I resent that kind of thinking. I need my special days.
Speaking of special, did you notice that 12/31/23 can be broken down to read 123123? If that is not the sign of an auspicious day, I don’t know what is. And to my way of thinking, if the end of one year is special, the beginning of the next must be extra special.