Comparative Study On "New Year" Customs Between China And Japan

Since China and Japan are close neighbors facing each other, Japanese culture and festivals aremostly influenced by traditional Chinese ones. However, due to the different paces of development in thetwo countries, Chinese festivals usually tend to change somehow. The custom of "New Year" exists in bothcountries and also the most important festival. Comparative study on "New Year" customs in China andJapan can deepen and extend the understanding of both cultural similarities and differences.The thesis has four chapters. Chapter One outlines the origin and formation of the customs of"New Year", including the origin and development and its impact on Japanese culture.Chapter Two talks about the contrast between the similarities and differences in Chinese andJapanese "New Year" customs, especially on the "New Year" time and its causes.Chapter Three is focus on the folk activities during "New Year" in both countries by fieldwork intwo ordinary families in Kaifeng, China and Kansai, Japan.Chapter Four compares the similarities and differences in decorations and food on "New Year" inthe two countries.In the end, the author advocates that the heritage of "New Year" should be protected because ofthe fading traditions and popular western culture.