Hatsumoude refers to the first
visit to a shrine or temple in the New Year. People make
various invocations at this time, including good health
throughout the year, safety of one's family, or successfully
passing an examination. Many people wear their best clothes
for the visit. Even those persons who seldom wear traditional
Japanese clothes will don their finery, lending a feeling
of gaiety and splendor to New Years in Japan.
