Today’s riddle is…
In many countries, the end of the year means Santa Claus.
But in Japan, the new year begins with animals.
Why does a dragon, a rabbit, or a snake appear
where Santa never does?
What It Really Means
Japanese zodiac animals, called Eto (干支), are not decorations.
They are symbols of time.
The zodiac is a 12-year cycle, and each year is believed to carry
the character of its animal.
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Dragon → power and growth
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Rabbit → gentleness and peace
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Snake → rebirth and wisdom
These animals don’t “bring” something.
They describe the flow of the year itself.
Santa arrives once a year.
Zodiac animals stay with you all year long.
In Everyday Japan
At the end of December, you’ll see zodiac animals everywhere:
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small figurines at shrines
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decorations in shops
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illustrations on New Year cards
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charms for good luck
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even on sweets and stationery
People buy the animal of the coming year
as a quiet way of saying:
“I’m ready for the next cycle.”
Santa vs Zodiac: Why It Feels So Different
| Santa | Zodiac Animals |
|---|---|
| brings gifts | brings meaning |
| appears once | stays all year |
| celebrates joy | reflects time |
| external figure | part of nature |
| reward-based | cycle-based |
For many Western cultures,
the year ends with reward and celebration.
In Japan, the year begins with
reflection and alignment.
Ridley & Nazonazo-san
“So… Japanese kids don’t wait for Santa on New Year’s?”
“No one is waiting.”
“Then what do the animals do?”
“They remind us where we are in time.”
“Time… not presents?”
“When you know where you stand in the cycle,
you already have enough.”
A Quiet Cultural Insight
The zodiac is not about belief.
It’s about orientation.
Just like seasons,
just like the moon,
just like rituals.
The animal doesn’t promise happiness.
It simply says:
“This is the year you are stepping into.”
Cultural Item of Today
Zodiac figurines (Eto ornaments)
Small, simple, and often handmade—
placed quietly at the entrance of a home.
Not to attract luck loudly,
but to welcome time respectfully.
