From omiyage to temiyage, sashi-ire and white day, gift giving culture in Japan is many-faceted and more complicated than it sounds. Whether new or old traditions, each occasion for expressing gratitude comes with its own unique history and set of rules. Traditionally practiced in mid-December, the winter gift giving tradition of oseibo is no different.
This seasonal tradition is thought to have roots in 14th century China, in a Taoist tradition called sangen. At three separate points throughout the year, sangen provided time for people to present offerings to deities in order to express gratitude and wish for blessings in the new season. As it made its way around Japan, it evolved into summer and winter religious festivals where people would present offerings to ancestors to welcome in good luck in the coming year.
In the Edo period the practice evolved with the social hierarchies of the time, with samurai giving gifts to their superiors to show gratitude and provide well-wishes. This practice gradually spread to the merchant class, who began to give clients gifts during their end of the year account settlements. This practice was called seibo mawari, or year-end visits. By the Meiji period, the practice had spread widely throughout society, and booming department stores began to stock gifts geared specifically towards oseibo.
In Japan today, oseibo is practiced in both professional and social circles. While an oseibo gift could be any token of appreciation and should take some account of the person you’re buying for, this practice should center around gratitude and appreciation rather than sentiment. Gifts of traditional food items used in Japanese new year’s celebrations used to be common, and luxury food items are still the most popular gift. Anything from luxurious condiments, teas and coffees, artisanal alcohol, good cuts of meat or fish, or high-end produce would be appropriate and show an enduring commitment to the relationship at hand.
As with the practice it stems from, oseibo is a tribute to the community and the roles each person plays in upholding it. Rather than celebrating a unique person or relationship, as you might with a personalized Christmas gift, you could give an oseibo gift to someone who made your life a little easier this year, and in return your gift can make the end of their year a little easier too. This could be a teacher, boss, coworker, friend, or family member, and centers reciprocity and a desire to continue the relationship. Gifts should be within a reasonable range – ideally, you’ll be continuing to give someone oseibo well into the future. An overly extravagant gift may send the wrong message or rub someone the wrong way.
In homage to the original seibo mawari, gifts in the past were hand delivered to the recipients. Now, oseibo gifts are typically sent by mail or directly from department stores rather than hand delivered. If you do plan to mail or hand-deliver a gift, keep in mind that presentation is traditionally an important element of the gift. Gifts are often wrapped in special paper made specifically for the occasion but can also come in elegant and reusable furoshiki. Putting extra effort into the presentation of a gift can show care and respect for the recipient and provide an opportunity to exercise your creativity and explore the exciting world of furoshiki wrapping.
As another year comes to an end and the dark days fly by, this tradition could also give you a chance to reflect on the people who have supported you this year. Most of us rarely think of all the people that make up our communities or the actions small and large that help us get from one moment to the next. One small token of gratitude may brighten the days of the people around you and ensure a stronger bond in the new year.
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Written By: Celestine Taevs