6. New Gowns
The young girls learn a new tune on the koto or samisen,
and make themselves new gowns, generally of the prettiest and most extravagant shades and patterns. They are
indefatigable workers at this time, these little women, sewing and embroidering from morning till night, and are
as much interested in a new gown as the most stylish Parisian lady that ever stepped. In fact, when the New
Year's finally sets in, there is always some one who has broken down from overwork. Perhaps she is an older sister
who has had to make not only her own but her sister's gowns.
