The customs of O-Chugen and O-Seibo

In Japan, there are two seasons when gifts are often given, one in summer and the other in winter. The gifts are called o-chugen and o-seibo, representing your appreciation and gratitude for the kindness they have shown you during that year, and can be given to anyone you know.

The custom of giving o-chugen is said to have originated in ancient China, where three days were used to give offerings to the gods. The chugen, one of the three days, is the same day for the Japanese that gifts were offered to their ancestors. Eventually, the exchange of gifts became a new custom of o-chugen, where gifts were given during the summer.

O-seibo, on the other hand, refers to the end of the year. The custom was for married daughters to visit their parents or extended families to visit the head of the family. They brought offerings to welcome the spirits of their ancestors in the New Year. However, later people also made visiting the people who had helped them during the year as a way of gratitude to become part of the custom. Today, people give gifts in gratitude for the help received.

Traditional gifts from Japan used for the purpose of this custom would be food or staples such as beer, canned food, or condiments. There are some gifts that are not recommended as gifts: shoes that suggest being stepped on, and watches or writing utensils that suggest that one should be encouraged to be diligent. However, regardless of whether they are traditional gifts from Japan or something else, it is best to give the recipient something they would like.

Since the tradition is to show gratitude to those who have supported you, it is polite to also give a gift if you receive one. That is why the beginning and end of the year will be a very busy season to give.