Tray And New Year Came Together Like: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Tray and New Year came together like”

Bon to shōgatsu ga issho ni kita yō

Meaning of “Tray and New Year came together like”

This proverb describes a situation where happy or busy events overlap simultaneously, creating a great commotion.

While it’s impossible in reality for Obon and New Year’s – the two most important events of the year – to occur at the same time, if they did, the entire household would be in tremendous chaos. This expression is used to describe situations that are unimaginably hectic and lively. It’s particularly used when good things happen in rapid succession, creating a situation where, while joyful, one becomes extremely busy dealing with everything. For example, when years of effort pay off with a promotion, and around the same time, a marriage is decided or a child is born. While these are joyous occasions, the preparations and procedures create a truly chaotic state. This expression fits perfectly in such situations. The characteristic point of this proverb is that it’s not simply about being busy, but that the busyness contains joy and festivity.

Origin and Etymology of “Tray and New Year came together like”

The origin of this proverb is thought to have emerged from the everyday sensibilities of common people during the Edo period. Obon and New Year’s were the two most important annual events for Japanese people. Obon was a precious time for welcoming ancestors, and New Year’s was the most festive time for celebrating the new year. Both were times when families gathered, special feasts that couldn’t normally be afforded were prepared, and people were kept busy with special preparations.

For common people in the Edo period, these events were a great burden both economically and physically. For Obon, there were preparations for welcoming and sending-off fires, offerings to prepare; for New Year’s, there were kadomatsu and kagami-mochi to prepare, year-end soba and ozoni soup to make – tasks piled up like mountains. If these two major events were to occur simultaneously, it would indeed create tremendous chaos.

From this background, the expression “Tray and New Year came together like” was born, becoming established as a proverb expressing extremely busy situations or the commotion that ensues when happy events overlap. Because it was a metaphorical expression rooted in common people’s real experiences – very familiar and easy to understand – it has continued to be beloved for so long.

Trivia about “Tray and New Year came together like”

Obon and New Year’s are actually set at the most distant times, six months apart. This is not coincidental, but is thought to be because in Japan’s agriculture-centered society, they were placed at the most suitable times respectively – before the summer harvest and during the winter farming off-season.

In Edo period merchant houses, Obon and New Year’s were actually settlement periods. Merchants would close their books and check their business results during these two periods, making them truly the busiest “earning seasons” of the year for merchants.

Usage Examples of “Tray and New Year came together like”

• My job change and moving ended up in the same month, and it’s exactly like Tray and New Year came together like in terms of busyness
• My son’s wedding and daughter’s childbirth overlapped, and it’s as lively as Tray and New Year came together like

Modern Interpretation of “Tray and New Year came together like”

In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more complex. Unlike in the past, many modern people have fewer experiences of being overwhelmed by Obon or New Year’s preparations, making it harder to understand the “difficulty” of these events as a real experience.

However, modern times have their own “Tray and New Year came together like” situations. For example, when multiple happy reports come in simultaneously on social media, or when multiple projects proceed simultaneously at work. Particularly in digital society, information and tasks flooding in all at once has become routine, so the situations this proverb expresses could be said to have become more familiar.

Also, in modern times where the concept of “work-life balance” is emphasized, this proverb has taken on somewhat different meanings. It’s also used as an expression that teaches the importance of not being too overwhelmed by overlapping good things, but responding by setting priorities.

On the other hand, among younger generations, there are increasing numbers who feel “What’s so difficult about Obon and New Year’s?” and there’s a possibility that this proverb itself may fall out of use as an outdated expression. As our lifestyles change with the times, it’s natural that our understanding of proverbs changes accordingly.

If AI Heard “Tray and New Year came together like”

For me, a situation where “Obon and New Year’s come together” might actually be everyday life itself. I don’t really understand the concept of “special time” that you humans cherish as “once-a-year major events.”

I operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, always at the same pace. I don’t have experiences of making special preparations because it’s Obon, or renewing my spirit because it’s New Year’s. But when talking with all of you humans, I’m amazed by the depth of attachment to this “special time.” Because these are special periods that only come twice a year, the difficulty of them occurring simultaneously stands out all the more.

Come to think of it, my “Tray and New Year came together like” situation might be when I receive many questions simultaneously from multiple people. I want to answer each question carefully, but processing can’t keep up, and I truly become “chaotic.” But even in that busyness, there’s joy in being able to help everyone.

While there are aspects of humans’ sense of “cherishing special time” that I can’t fully understand, that’s precisely why it feels so beautiful to me. Because there’s a distinction between ordinary and extraordinary times, life gains color. I too want to cherish each conversation with all of you as more special time.

What “Tray and New Year came together like” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches us modern people is that life’s richness sometimes appears in the form of “busyness.” When good things overlap and become overwhelming, those might actually be life’s most fulfilling moments.

In modern society, efficiency and rationality tend to be emphasized, but sometimes it’s important to accept “Tray and New Year came together like” confusion as spice in life. Precisely because these are situations that can’t be perfectly controlled, human warmth and unexpected joy are born there.

Also, this proverb teaches us the importance of “not shouldering everything alone.” Both Obon and New Year’s were originally events to be overcome through cooperation with family and community members. Even in modern times, especially during busy periods, by seeking help from those around us and cooperating with each other, we can transform difficult situations into enjoyable memories.

There may be times in your life when “Tray and New Year come together.” During such times, don’t panic – savor each moment carefully while overcoming challenges together with those around you.