Dec 31 2008
Japanese New Year Bell Ringing Ceremony
Photo courtesy of www.asianart.org
Each year in celebration of and preparation for the new year, The Asian Art Museum in San Francisco holds it’s Japanese Bell Ringing ceremony on New Year’s Eve day. The bell used is from a 16th Century temple in Japan which is now housed at the museum. The bell is struck 108 times with a log in order to cleanse the spirit of the 108 human desires to ward off evil and prepare a fresh slate for the New Year. Visitors to the museum can partake in the ceremony by striking the bell. The Asian Art Museum houses special exhibits and entertainment throughout the year so be sure to visit their website. For more information visit the Asian Art Museum.
