Wish you had or are having wonderful winter holidays!
I went back to my hometown during my New Year holiday. Soon after Year 2009 began, one of my friends came to pick me up and we went to see the rising sun.
In Japan, there is a custom to see the rising sun on the New Year's day. The origin is a court function that the emperor say a prayer to the important Gods of Shinto and his ancestors around 5:30 am on Jan 1st. (This is an ongoing function.) Also, the main god of Shingo, Amaterasu Omikami is the God of Sun. So we still have an idea that the sun has the special energy as an avatar of the god.
Many people go to the seaside or some people even climb up Mt. Fuji to see it at a better spot. My friend I have sticked at the same cape on the Pacific coast for 3 years. Approx. 6:40, we went out of the car.... deadly cold!!
Aren't the clouds beautiful?
Yes, now I can see her head!!
Many people make prayers to it.
(-人-)
Although it is said that we, the Japanese, are not religious any more, we still cannot help feeling the god seeing this scenery.
Wishing Year 2009 be full of happiness & love to you all!!
