One of the things I love the most is discovering traditions from other cultures and adapt them to my life. Recently, I discovered a new one, thanks to Dan's post about Kakizome, the Japanese way of new-years resolution. This tradition combines the elegance of Japanese calligraphy with the reflective practice of seting intentions for the year ahead.

First, to truly appreciate this tradition, it is essential to understand the role of calligraphy in the Japanese culture. It is a topic on its own to be explored on another moment. In short, the Shodo (書道) is the name given to the art of writing, where each stroke placed on the paper is carefully executed in a movement that feels almost meditative.

This meditative approach to writing is at the heart of Kakizome (書き初め). It literally means "first writing" and describes the tradition of writing the first calligraphy at the beginning of the year. The traditions vary between regions and families, but it can be roughly summarised in a ritual where you clear your mind, focus on your wishes for the next year and express them on paper. Ideally in a rice paper called Washi or Kami.

As you focus on your wishes for the year starting, this practice transforms intentions into art. Each person carefully chooses an idiom or proverb to become a poetic representation of the sentiment they wish to carry through the year. It could represent an area of focus or an inspiration. For example, some of the common idioms and phrases used for the Kakizome are:

These examples highlight the beauty and the depth of kakizome as a tool for reflection and growth. This practice is, in principle, not too different from the traditional western "New Years Resolution". But it differs in a very important aspect: It is not a solid milestone, it is a theme. It is not something you aim to achieve and it's done, it is a mindset that will accompany you the whole year. It is a looser, broader, resolution, but it is definitely stronger.

The Kakizome is traditionally burnt during the fire festival Sagichou. But some families, like Dan's mother, prefer to hang the Kakizome near the entrance of the house. This reminder will set your mood and energy every time you leave the house for another day, keeping this yearly theme live at your head every day.

Though I'm starting late this year, I've decided to embrace this tradition myself. I'm still searching for a good idiom or proverb that would perfectly describe my theme for this year, which involves creating more, finishing more. Once I find it, I'll follow the tradition and, trying to remember my childhood days when my friends taught me how to write my name in Katakana, and write my own Kakizome to hang at my door.

For the curious, I'm between the following three proverbs below. I've chosen those because this year I want to learn how to better focus my energy into a single effort at a time. Starting less and finishing everything I start.

This proverb encourages a proactive attitude and emphasizes the power of taking initiative.

This idiom conveys strength and clarity, emphasizing that consistent effort leads to great accomplishments and value creation.

This is more subtle and poetic. It means that, even if it takes time, perseverance will yield results. It carries the meaning that patience and perseverance to stick with something at length is required to get a good result.

What theme would you choose to guide your year?

P.s.: I hope this very brief summary of this tradition doesn't bother or insult anyone. Even though I grew up around several Japanese families, I've never experienced that specific tradition. If there is something you believe should be fixed in my text, send me an email.