Tokyo Shrine Hosts Icy Ritual for New Year Blessings

In Tokyo, participants braved frigid conditions at the Kanda Myojin Shrine for a traditional Japanese ritual aimed at purifying the soul and ushering in good health for the new year. Clad in minimal attire—men in white loincloths and women in white robes—approximately 40 individuals undertook the cold endurance test on Saturday. This annual event saw participants jogging around the shrine and performing exercises before immersing themselves in a knee-deep pool that was made colder with large chunks of ice.

Once in the water, participants took turns dunking and dousing themselves with wooden buckets, shouting "Ei!" to rally their spirits. Spectators joined in, cheering on the brave souls in this Shinto tradition. Known for its emphasis on purification to ward off malevolent forces, Shinto also allows worshipers to seek blessings for traffic safety, business success, academic achievements, and safe childbirth. Rooted in animistic beliefs, Shinto is Japan's Indigenous religion, intertwining with the nation's cultural fabric over centuries. It celebrates sacred spirits inhabiting nature and all living things. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)