Shinryu Shrine "Dontoyaki" 2024 Praying for good health and safety for the year!

Monday, January 15, 2024

Monday, January 15th is Koshogatsu (Little New Year). Yesterday, Sunday, January 14th, at Shinryu Shrine, a "Dontoyaki" event was held from 9:00 a.m., followed by a "Yakuharai Ceremony" from 10:00 a.m.

"Dontoyaki" and "Evil Purification Ceremony" @ Shinryu Shrine
"Dontoyaki" and "Evil Purification Ceremony" @ Shinryu Shrine
Snow-covered torii gate and sacred rope
Snow-covered torii gate and sacred rope
"Evil exorcism ceremony" at the main shrine
"Evil exorcism ceremony" at the main shrine

Dondoyaki is a sacred ritual to see off the New Year deity.
Residents bring New Year's decorations and sacred ropes, which are then burned.

Burning!
Burning!
The flames burst into flames with a crackling sound!
The flames burst into flames with a crackling sound!
Flames burning like a rising dragon!
Flames burning like a rising dragon!

By lighting a fire, we ward off evil spirits, purify our minds and bodies, and give thanks for the refreshing new year, praying from the heart for good health and a bountiful harvest.

Pray for a bountiful harvest with the shimenawa hanging from the torii gate!
Pray for a bountiful harvest with the shimenawa hanging from the torii gate!

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◇ Interview and text: Ikuko Terauchi (Photography and editing assistance: Noboru Terauchi)