A Daughter of the Samurai · Chapter
A Sunny New Year explained
After Father's death, the household experiences a period of mourning and loneliness.
What happens
After Father's death, the household experiences a period of mourning and loneliness. The first forty-nine days are marked by Buddhist rituals, but afterward, a deep sadness settles over the family. Etsu finds solace in temple visits with her mother and Ishi. The chapter describes the New Year celebrations, including the tradition of toso-sake, the visit of old retainer Goro who shares a humorous poem about the god of poverty, and the festive atmosphere of the streets with shops selling kites, clogs, and battledores. Despite the quiet house, Mother entertains relatives and servants, maintaining a semblance of tradition and joy.
Themes in this chapter
Loss and Memory
The chapter deeply explores the aftermath of Father's death, the loneliness of the household, and the rituals that keep his memory alive, such as the 'memory-pourings' at his grave.
Tradition vs. Modernity
The priest's departure from Chokoji because his 'brain had advanced beyond his faith' illustrates the tension between traditional Buddhist beliefs and modern rational thought.
Family and Ancestral Duty
Mother and Jiya fulfill neglected duties during the mourning period, and the family maintains New Year customs to honor the past and preserve social bonds.
Characters to notice
- Etsu Inagaki Sugimoto
Reflects on the loneliness after Father's death and finds comfort in temple visits; enjoys the New Year festivities and the walk with Ishi.
- Mother
Calm and quiet but with a sad smile; fulfills duties during the mourning period and hosts New Year gatherings with dignity.
- Honourable Grandmother
Spends time polishing the shrine and sits with Etsu by the firebox, teaching her to make a hemp-thread ball.
- Ishi
Her cheerful voice has grown lifeless; accompanies Etsu on a memorable New Year walk through the streets of Nagaoka.
- Jiya
No longer hums old folk-songs; helps with the forty-nine-day rituals and is present at the New Year servant gathering.
- Goro
A skilled master carpenter and minor retainer; visits for New Year and shares a humorous poem about the god of poverty, recalling Father's wit.
- Kin
A servant with a merry heart who imitates Mother's stately manner; whispers a poetic response to Goro's joke.
- Toshi
Mother's special maid who carries flowers to the graves and accompanies Etsu to the temple for Buddha's death celebration.
Key passages
“The first forty-nine days when 'the soul hovers near the eaves' was not sad to me, for the constantly burning candles and curling incense of the shrine made me feel that Father was near.”
The initial forty-nine-day mourning period, when Buddhists believe the soul lingers near the home, did not feel sorrowful to Etsu because the lit candles and incense at the shrine made her feel her father's presence.
Illustrates the Buddhist belief in the soul's journey and how ritual objects provide comfort.
“Thus lived the spirit of democracy in old Japan.”
This is how the principle of mutual respect and equality among different social classes was practiced in traditional Japan.
Reflects on the informal yet respectful interactions between the family and their servants, highlighting a form of social democracy.
