Good Bye, Bad Luck!

When you go to shrines or temples in Japan, especially in new year season, you'll find a notice about "The unlucky age of the year". It is called "yakudoshi" in Japanese. It is said that the unlucky age is 33 for woman and 42 for man. (This age differs from from each temple.) Many Japanese in yakudoshi have special service to drive evil spirit away.



To have this service, fill in the form at the reception first. Then go to the special room for prayer to have the service. During the service, monks light a holy fire with chanting the sutra. You may be requested to chant sutra with your palms together, or to bow to the statue of Buddha. After the service, a wooden or paper talisman is provided to you. (Light photo : a paper talisman.)



Don't worry even if you miss the chance of new year service. It is said that the bad luck will be driven away if you go to a temple to expel evil spirits by setsubun day. Hope all of you have a happy year!