It's Been a Long Time
I'm back! Sorry it has been so long since I posted a blog but I am alive and well. I am finally getting back into the routine of things, school started last week. I haven't blogged in a while due to my laziness and the fact that I haven't done anything too interesting since I returned to Japan after Christmas.
Christmas was nice, I was as sick as a dog and spent most of the time in bed and on the couch, but it was nice to be that sick and at home in my own bed. It was really great to see my friends and family, and it was fun playing Santa and giving everyone gifts.
I honestly have not done much since I've been back. Last weekend I went karoaking with Lizzie and Naomi (Lizzie and I did an awesome rendition of Yellow Submarine), then on Sunday went to the Atsuta Shrine all by myself (I was quite proud of finding it with no help-the furthest I have traveled by myself-about 45 minutes away :) not exactly a journey but I was proud of myself).
Atsuta Shrine was fascinating. Here is a mini-lesson on Japanese shrines :) Atusta Shrine is considered one of the most important shrines in Japan. It is huge and very popular to visit by the Japanese for New Years. I went to the shrine on Jan. 14, and there was still quite a large crowd.
Going to the shrine (especially at this time of year) is surrounded by ritual. The Anthropologist in me wanted to know about everything I was seeing. I wish I had someone there to explain to me what was going on, but Yasuko my coworker was kind enough to explain to me from the pictures I took. She goes to Atsuta Shrine every year with her family on Jan. 1st.
The Torii Gate Leading to the shrine-marks entrance to any shrine
People going to the shrine to pray
The Purification fountain-People purifying their hands and mouth with water.
People tying their fortunes for the new year on trees to either keep the good fortune or forget the bad fortune
I'm not exactly sure what the significance behind this ritual is, but it was very fascinating. The men in the white robes took turns releasing a arrow towards a target, after each turn the men in the blue would fix their robes.
I promise to not wait so long to write next time :) I am hoping to go skiing very soon. Japan is known to have some of the best skiing in the world so I am very excited. I will keep you posted.
AKEMASHIE OMEDETO GOZAIMASU-Happy New Year!!!
Christmas was nice, I was as sick as a dog and spent most of the time in bed and on the couch, but it was nice to be that sick and at home in my own bed. It was really great to see my friends and family, and it was fun playing Santa and giving everyone gifts.
I honestly have not done much since I've been back. Last weekend I went karoaking with Lizzie and Naomi (Lizzie and I did an awesome rendition of Yellow Submarine), then on Sunday went to the Atsuta Shrine all by myself (I was quite proud of finding it with no help-the furthest I have traveled by myself-about 45 minutes away :) not exactly a journey but I was proud of myself).
Atsuta Shrine was fascinating. Here is a mini-lesson on Japanese shrines :) Atusta Shrine is considered one of the most important shrines in Japan. It is huge and very popular to visit by the Japanese for New Years. I went to the shrine on Jan. 14, and there was still quite a large crowd.
Going to the shrine (especially at this time of year) is surrounded by ritual. The Anthropologist in me wanted to know about everything I was seeing. I wish I had someone there to explain to me what was going on, but Yasuko my coworker was kind enough to explain to me from the pictures I took. She goes to Atsuta Shrine every year with her family on Jan. 1st.
The Torii Gate Leading to the shrine-marks entrance to any shrine
People going to the shrine to pray
The Purification fountain-People purifying their hands and mouth with water.
People tying their fortunes for the new year on trees to either keep the good fortune or forget the bad fortune
I'm not exactly sure what the significance behind this ritual is, but it was very fascinating. The men in the white robes took turns releasing a arrow towards a target, after each turn the men in the blue would fix their robes.
I promise to not wait so long to write next time :) I am hoping to go skiing very soon. Japan is known to have some of the best skiing in the world so I am very excited. I will keep you posted.
AKEMASHIE OMEDETO GOZAIMASU-Happy New Year!!!
posted by Brenda | 2:42 AM
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