1月16日 ― 沖縄の “あの世の正月（ジュールクニチー）”
Today is January 16th.
In Okinawa, this day is called “Jūrukunichi” (New Year in the Afterlife), an important occasion to greet our ancestors for the new year.
It’s the day our ancestors welcome the new year in the afterlife, known as “Gusō” (the world beyond).
While not as festive as the New Year, it’s one of those uniquely Okinawan events where a quiet, warm atmosphere fills the home.
This year marks the first 16th since my father passed away, so we call it the New 16th (Mijurukunichi).
While it’s customary for relatives to gather for memorial services, since it falls on a weekday, my mother and I are quietly preparing together today.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Preparing the offerings
お供え物は、二人だけで行うので簡素に。
午後から料理を作り、夕方に仏壇へお供えする段取りです。
果物やお菓子を並べながら、
「今年も無事に過ごせますように」
そんな気持ちで手を合わせる時間は、心が落ち着きます。
予定では「煮物とそうめんの汁」と「野菜の和え物」予定ですね出来るだけ父親の好きなものをっています
The morning air and the family’s movements
Waking up, I first cleaned the family altar.
As I moved the cloth, I suddenly remembered my father.
His first New Year in the afterlife.
Though simple, I plan to cook dishes, recalling the flavors he loved.
“I wonder if he’ll eat them…”
Such thoughts accompany my preparations.
Mother too cleaned the room since morning, preparing for the New Year in a solemn atmosphere.
And today, as usual, we had a little disagreement about whether to go to daycare or not.
“Well, this is just another typical morning,” I thought as the day began.
The Meaning as Okinawan Culture
In Okinawa, it’s believed that the deceased remain near the Sanzu River for a time.
Today’s offerings are to pray that my father can safely walk the path to heaven.
Considering my mother’s health and the caregiving involved, we’re doing this within reasonable limits, trying not to burden her too much.
Jūru Kunichi is,
I believe,
both a day to connect with our ancestors
and a day to settle the hearts of us who are still living.
Thinking of my father…
It’s almost been a year since my father passed away.
It feels like it flew by, yet also like it was just yesterday—a strange sensation.
Sometimes during the day, I feel like he’s just gone to daycare,
and then in the evening, it suddenly hits me:
“Oh, he’s really gone now.”
He was a demanding father, but now that he’s gone, I miss him deeply.
Today, I pray that my father is safely walking his path to heaven,
and until the day we meet again,
I intend to stay strong and live well here.
Evening Visitors
My aunt came by in the evening to check on things. She and my mother talked about various things. “Back in the day, the whole neighborhood would come over, and we’d have to cook for everyone and give them gifts each time. It was such a hassle preparing for all that. But these days, everyone keeps things simple, and I think it’s easier on the family,” she said. Then she left, saying she had somewhere else to go.
My mother and I had dinner together, just the two of us.
Thoughts
I believe the trend will continue where each family willingly simplifies events. Above all, I think the greatest happiness is for family members to remember the departed, never forget them, and keep them in their hearts as family.
If you’d like, please check out our other articles too.
