JAPAN
samisen here and a few notes there, show how conservatively respectful is the demeanour even of the modern Japanese towards these ancient beliefs.
As the first day of the month is one of complete abstention from all ordinary business, so the second marks the conventional resumption of trades, industries, and occupations. The student looks into his books; the calligraphist uses his brush; the merchant opens his store; the mechanic takes out his tools; the sailor handles his ship; the painter mixes a colour; and the wholesale dealer sends goods to the retailer. But all these doings are only pretty make-believes. No one thinks of working seriously. Even the hatsuni, the first distribution of merchandise, takes the form of a picturesque procession of hand-wagons gaily decorated and drawn by men in bright costumes. At the Palace and in the residences of noblemen special dances are performed, and wherever a shrine stands in honour of the god of prosperity (Daikoku), cakes of rice flour moistened with warm water are offered.[1]
The 3d is regarded as the fête of the "three Daishi." Piously disposed people in Tōkyō visit the Uyeno temples, and in Kyōtō repair to Hieizan; but it must be confessed that the "mirror-dumpling" ceremony on the following day is observed with far more punctilio. The "mir-
- ↑ See Appendix, note 12.
46
