Last week you could read about Japanese travel guide cats. This week Debuneko (fat cat) and Maruneko (round cat) -both designed by SK Japan– will show you Japanese festivals and traditions.

Takarabune ~December

The tradition holds that the Seven Gods of Luck (Shichifukujin) arrive on the Takarabune, a ship packed with gifts, around the New Year. Children will often receive red envelopes emblazoned with the Takarabune which contain gifts of money.

Teru teru bōzu

This handmade doll of white cloth was traditionally made by farmers to hang out of their window. They are supposed to bring good weather and keep away rainy days. Nowadays usually Japanese children will make them and chant “Fine-weather priest, please let the weather be good tomorrow”. If you’d like some good weather as well, check out this cute Tero Tero Bōzu DIY.

Setsubun ~February 3

Families throw roasted soybeans outside the door to chase out the oni (demons or ogres) or they’ll throw roasted soybeans at dad dressed up like an oni ^_^ When the beans are thrown, the families shout, “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” which means Oni out! Happiness in!

Haru Matsuri ~Spring

Setsubun is part of the Spring Festival (Haru Matsuri). Above you see Debuneko with hagoita (wooden rackets for Japanese Badminton) and manju & wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets).

Suikawari ~Summer

Suikawari is a traditional Japanese game played in the summertime. The aim is to split open a watermelon with a stick. Each participant gets blindfolded and will be spun around three times. The first to crack the watermelon open wins! Afterwards the melon pieces will be eaten.

Izakaya

I think this is an izakaya, a type of Japanese drinking establishment which also serves food to accompany the drinks. They are casual places for after-work drinking.

For more cute cat wallpapers, please visit debunko.jp or maruneko.jp