This was eventually adopted as a daily hygiene ritual for many Japanese people when they return home. While Buddhism teaches compassion, it is a concept that is usually interpreted as to “express gratitude” for other people, nature, and animals. Therefore phrases like “itadakimasu” and “gochisousamadeshita” are used to express thanks for people involved in meal preparation, the plants harvested, and animals killed.
In general, the purpose for the festivals also have roots in Shintoism. It is said that the origin of matsuri comes from the meaning “enshrined”. Special non-daily events or matsuri are needed to reset the fatigue from everyday events, much like the concept of weekdays and weekends. Thus, New Year's Day is very important because it symbolizes a “great reset” for many Japanese people. After all, matsuri are a great way to catch a break from the busy lifestyle of living in a bustling capital like Tokyo.
Yes, they are. There are seasonal foods and some festivals only happen according to the change of season which is directly related to Japan’s environment. While I was on a dorm field trip in northern island Hokkaido from February 5 to February 8, 2020, I was able to visit the regional Sapporo yuki-matsuri and see a ton of different towering snow sculptures! A yuki-matsuri is not possible in Tokyo, because its geographical location doesn’t let air temperatures get low enough so it barely snows. However, in March and April, I was able to go to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for hanami with a few friends to see blooming sakura (cherry blossoms).
