【国際交流PRアソシエイトからの発信★】初詣体験　Hatsumode Experience

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みなさんは初詣に行きましたか？タイ人留学生のRittさんも盛岡八幡宮での初詣を楽しんだようです。神社での参拝の仕方についても調べて紹介しています。Rittさんのレポートをぜひご一読ください！（言語：英語?タイ語）

【Message from the International Exchaneg PR Associate】Hatsumode Experience

Did you go to Hatsumode? It seems that our Thai student, Ms. Ritt also enjoyed his Hatsumode at Morioka Hachimangu Shrine. He also researches and introduces how to worship at the shrine. Please read Ritt's report! (Languages: English and Thai)

Hatsumode Experience

(初詣体験)

As the clock neared 11:00 p.m. on December 31, just about an hour away from the new year, people started gathering at the Hachimangu Shrine. It's that time of the year, and I decided to visit for Hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year. The shrine was alive with joy, and as I stepped into the front area, a delightful sight awaited: a bunch of Yatai, those interesting Japanese mobile food stalls, serving up treats like yakisoba, takoyaki, taiyaki, dango, and more. It was the perfect setup to taste some delicious bites before stepping into the new day.

When it got close to midnight, a line formed with people excited to get blessings from the shrine.Once you reached the shrine, everyone bowed at the Torii, a traditional Japanese gate, and then went to Chōzu-ya or temizu-ya (手水舎) to wash their hands really well with these steps.

The right hand dipped the Hishaku dipper into the water and splashed some onto the left hand. Then, switch the dipper to the left hand and do the same with the right hand. Consequently, put the dipper back in the right hand again. Scoop up water and pour it into the palm of your left hand, then delicately bring water to the mouth for a rinse, avoiding direct sipping. After that, the left hand had another wash, similar to the first one. In the end, the ladle's handle received a final cleanup. It was placed upside down, letting the water flow down. With cleansed hands and hearts, we got in line to go into the temple. It seems that the cold weather didn't spoil everyone's mood.

When it was midnight, the bell rang. as a notification to enter the new year. It was time to pay homage to the Haiden (拝殿) for good fortune on New Year's Day, with the following steps:

1. Put in a coin for the donation and ring the bell.
2. Straighten and bow two times.
3. Clap your hands twice, then place your hands on your chest and pray for blessings.
4. Finally, bow once before stepping back to finish.

Beside the main chapel, Omamori, the Japanese amulets beckoned, each style offering a chance to personalize good fortune based on preferences, birthdates, or wishes. They say these amulets should be replaced every New Year's day for continued luck, and the ones from the past year should be returned to the shrine.

As the visit came to an end, a parting bow at the torii facing the main chapel marked the end of a simple and satisfying experience, ready to embrace the upcoming year. I really like the Hatsumode tradition during this time. It brings such a peaceful and enjoyable vibe. I feel great and all set for the new year. The Japanese culture's way of starting the year with this simple ritual is impressive. It gives us a chance to look back and get ready for what's ahead in the coming year. Hope this year will be a fantastic and joy-filled New Year for everyone! あけましておめでとうございます (Akemashite omedetō gozaimasu)!

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