Photo of the Day Archive for January 2004

by Albert Wen, Nov 15, 2006 | Destinations: Japan
This flaming display held in mid-February is called Dondo yaki, in which huge pyres of New Year's decorations are burned to send off old spirits and to pray for health and safety in the upcoming year.

This flaming display held in mid-February is called Dondo yaki, in which huge pyres of New Year's decorations are burned to send off old spirits and to pray for health and safety in the upcoming year.

This flaming display held in mid-February is called Dondo yaki, in which huge pyres of New Year's decorations are burned to send off old spirits and to pray for health and safety in the upcoming year.
The New Year is Japan's most important celebration. At this time, the people of Japan visit shrines and temples to pray for blessings in the year to come. Families gather to enjoy specially prepared foods called O-sechi, and to exchange seasonal gifts. One traditional New Year's gift is a symbolic arrow to ward off bad fortune in the coming year.
On the second Sunday of the New Year, wearing nothing more than loincloths called shitaobi and headbands called hachimaki, many Japanese men brave the icy waters of Teppozu Inari Jinja, a Shinto shrine in central Tokyo, to practice a yearly purification ritual.
The New Year is Japan's most important celebration. At this time, the people of Japan visit shrines and temples to pray for blessings in the year to come. Families gather to enjoy specially prepared foods called O-sechi, and to exchange seasonal gifts. One traditional New Year's gift is a symbolic arrow to ward off bad fortune in the coming year.

Photo of the Day Archive for January 2004

More From This Author

Riding the Eastern & Oriental Express

Malaysia / Singapore / Thailand
Albert Wen
Nestled in a quiet corner of this tiny private garden, a stone Buddha adds an element of contemplative serenity.

Photo of the Day Archive for November 2003

Japan
Albert Wen

Photo of the Day Archive for October 2003

India
Albert Wen

Photo of the Day Archive for August 2004

Nepal
Albert Wen
About ThingsAsian

ThingsAsian is an Asia travel website with stories contributed by a worldwide community. Although we cover a wide range of topics, our emphasis is on art, culture, history and travel. Our writers, photographers and contributors are real people who tell you the stories of their personal travels and experiences. Some of the countries we currently cover are Burma, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Email: info@thingsasian.com

© 1994-2015 Global Directions, Inc. All Rights Reserved.