Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year) Coloring Pages

Your Very First Hello to God in the New Year

Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year) is one of Japan's most important events, where you go to pray at a shrine or temple for the very first time after the new year begins.

What are their nature and symbols?

Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year) is not just about praying. It also means making a special wish for the start of the new year.

• Saying Thank You and Making a Wish: You tell them you are thankful for spending the last year safely, and you ask for health, happiness, and reaching your goals in the new year.
• Lucky Charms: At the shrine or temple, you receive lucky items like amulets and demon-breaking arrows to wish for protection from bad luck and good fortune for the year.
• A Pure Beginning: By visiting to pray, you can refresh your mind and make it pure, and get energy to do your best in the new year.

Steps for Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year)

There are important rules to follow when you visit a shrine.

• Torii gate: When you pass through the Torii gate at the entrance of a shrine, bow lightly before going in. Beyond the gate is where the god lives.
• Temizuya (Water basin): Before you pray, wash your hands and rinse your mouth at a place called a Temizuya to make yourself clean.
• Praying: In front of the offertory box, put in a coin, then bow twice, clap twice, and bow once. This is the usual way to pray. Quietly say your wish in your heart.

Lucky motifs

As you can see in the coloring page, there are many lucky things in the sights of Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year).

• Mount Fuji and the Sunrise: The first sunrise of the year on New Year's Day and Mount Fuji are said to bring very good luck, so they are symbols of good fortune, aren't they?
• Komainu (Guardian Lions): At the entrance of the shrine, they act as guardian beasts that protect the gods and ward off evil.
• Kimono: Wearing a kimono on New Year's or special celebrations shows that it is a special day, and it symbolizes purity and gorgeousness.

How to Choose Colors: Use Bright and Happy Colors!

For your Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year) coloring page, try using lots of bright and happy New Year colors. It will make it look extra special and full of celebration!

• Main Colors: Pick lucky colors like vermilion red (the color of the shrine gates and buildings), red, white, and gold (yellow).

Colors for Each Part:

• Torii Gate and Shrine: Use vermilion red or wood colors for the gates and pillars. Color the roof in dark brown or black to make it look grand and strong.
• Kimonos: Color people's kimonos with bright colors like red, blue, green, and pink. Add gold (yellow) to the patterns to make them look super pretty!
  • Pattern Tip: Do not use just one color for the kimono patterns. Color them carefully with different colors to make fancy Japanese patterns!
• Sunrise and Sky: Color the sunrise with red or orange. Use light blue or light yellow for the sky to show a sunny New Year's day!

How to Make It Look 3D: Add Depth to the Buildings!

Shrines and temples have lots of lines and look tricky, right? Think about "shadows" and "lights" to make the buildings look real! Places in the shadow:

• Use a darker color for places without light, like under the roofs, between the pillars, and behind people. Adding shadows gives the buildings depth!

Places in the light:

• For places hit by sunlight, like the side of Mt. Fuji or the top of the Torii gate, use bright colors or leave them white. This shows how strong the light is!

Show Different Textures!

Colored Pencils: Use the sharp tip of your colored pencil to color the tiny patterns on the kimonos and food stalls carefully. It will look like a fancy Japanese design! People's Faces: Color the faces lightly with a skin-tone color to give everyone a kind and soft look.

Tips to Enjoy Your Coloring Page!

• Have Fun with Kimono Colors!
  • Color each person's kimono with your very own design! It is fun to draw your own Japanese patterns or flower designs too.
• Show the Busy Crowd!
  • If there are lots of people in the picture, use different colors for everyone's clothes. This shows the fun and busy New Year mood!
• Make a Wish!
  • Imagine what wishes the people are making while you color them!