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In the traditional Japanese calendar, December is known as Shiwasu 師走, the month of priests running. Just as in our modern lives, December takes on a busy quality in the run up to the holidays, for Buddhist priests it is also a busy time as they prepare for the year end Buddhist ritual of Butsumyō-e, held in late December. Prayers for spiritual and physical purification are made during Butsumyō-e rituals, but for those unable to attend priests travel temple throughout Japan to perform the ceremony on their behalf. Honoring of the ancestors during New Year also adds to the priests running.
December is also the month of Oosouji 大掃除 (Big House Cleaning) where people clean their entire house of the dust of the old year to welcome the spirit of New Year into a clean home. Cleaning is done by the 28th, as cleaning the day or two before would be considered last minute and impolite to the New Year gods. This is followed by Shougatsu-Kazari正月飾り (New year House Decoration). Decorations of pine, bamboo, and straw rope adorn the entrance to the home on the main gate or door, welcoming the gods, warding off evil spirits, and inviting good fortune for the New Year.
