Bell ringing in Japan
At midnight on December 31, Buddhist temples all over Japan ring their bells a total of 108 times (joyanokane 除夜の鐘) to symbolize the 108 earthly temptations in Buddhist belief, and to get rid of the 108 worldly desires regarding sense and feeling in every Japanese citizen. A traditional Japanese belief is that ringing bells can rid the sins of the passing year. The bell is rung 107 times on the 31st and once past midnight.
I went a local temple around 23:30 on 31 december 2022, knowing that I could ring the New Year's bell there. Many people formed a line and started ringing the bells one after another.
At midnight on December 31, Buddhist temples all over Japan ring their bells a total of 108 times (joyanokane 除夜の鐘) to symbolize the 108 earthly temptations in Buddhist belief, and to get rid of the 108 worldly desires regarding sense and feeling in every Japanese citizen. A traditional Japanese belief is that ringing bells can rid the sins of the passing year. The bell is rung 107 times on the 31st and once past midnight.
I went a local temple around 23:30 on 31 december 2022, knowing that I could ring the New Year's bell there. Many people formed a line and started ringing the bells one after another.
I also lined up there and rang the bell for the first time! Everyone received a small souvenir and a mandarin orange. It is a good start of new year 2023.
Well, let's do my best, your best.
Well, let's do my best, your best.
