「お祝い」(oiwai) refers to celebrations or festivities in Japanese culture, often associated with significant life events such as birthdays, weddings, and graduations. These occasions are marked by gatherings of family and friends, where people express their joy and support for the person being celebrated. Common practices during お祝い include giving gifts, sharing special meals, and participating in traditional ceremonies. For example, during a wedding, guests may offer monetary gifts in decorative envelopes called shugi-bukuro. Additionally, traditional foods like mochi or sushi are often served to enhance the celebratory atmosphere.