Waiting for the New Year bell

Only hours remain until the New Year. One of the many customs I love about Japanese New Year is the ringing of a bell to welcome the New Year. Called "Joya no Kane" in Japanese, bells are tolled at temples around Japan at midnight. They are rung 108 times. 

The bell is rung 108 times to cleanse the body of the 108 earthly desires with each strike. Reportedly, when zen first came to Japan from China the bells were rung 108 times every morning and evening. Nowadays its only typically done on New Years at most temples. Some temples allow parishioners take a turn at ringing the bell too. 

It is a deeply spiritual and iconic tradition in Japan. It is also very moving yet calming. With each strike you can almost feel the emotional clutter of the last year slipping away. Many people report feeling lighter afterward.  That has been my experience too.

Have you been to a Joya no Kane ceremony before? Will you go this year?