Accompanying every gift there is always a quiver-shaped envelope of folded paper called _noshi_, in which is inserted a strip of dried _haliotis_ or _awabi_. This odd custom, like so many others, has an interesting significance. The strip of _haliotis_ is symbolic of long life and durability of affection, because it is capable of being stretched to great length. The single shell of this mollusk also suggests singleness of affection. In the ancient days when Japan was a nation of fishermen, a piece of dried _awabi_ was indeed a valuable gift. In the present use of the _noshi_ and _awabi_, some say that the Japanese would recall the primitive days, thereby preserving the virtue of humility. Another conspicuous object which is usually in evidence at New Year’s is the small treasure boat (_takarabune_) sometimes made of straw and symbolizing the coming of the “Seven Gods of Good Luck” _Shichifukujin_. Pictures of _takarabune_ are placed beneath the pillow with the wish that the New Year’s dream may be a fortunate one. No work is done on the first day of the festival, even the sweeping of the house is omitted, lest some good fortune be scattered to the winds. All stores are closed to regular business. On the second day a pretense is made toward returning to normal life. The musician takes out his instrument, the student looks into his books, the artist gets out his brushes and the merchant distributes his goods from gaily colored handcarts. The storehouse of treasures is opened and enjoyed on this day as well, rarely on the first day for fear good fortune and wealth should flee away. The large mirror dumplings are taken from the ceremonial stands and from before the family shrine on the fourth day, and cut into small pieces known as “teeth-strengtheners.” On this day also, the fire brigades of Tōkyō march in procession and perform gymnastic feats. At early dawn on the seventh day the master of the house, who follows the old customs closely, arises and goes to the kitchen where he washes the seven spring herbs (_nanakusa_) in the first water drawn from the well. He then chops them on a board, moving his knife in time with a certain incantation concerned with cheating any birds of ill omen which might come to the country. The chopped herbs are boiled in a kind of rice gruel and served with ceremony at the breakfast. On the eleventh day the military men used to offer mirror dumplings before their armor. The long celebration of the festival is finally brought to a close with the burning of the _kado-matsu_ and other decorations on the fourteenth or fifteenth day of the first month. GAMES AND PASTIMES