New year begins with Shinto ritual

In Japan the most important seasonal celebration is "hatsumode," which centers around celebrating New Year’s Day with a visit to a Shinto shrine during the first three days of the new year, according to a news release from the Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha-Hawaii Dazaifu Tenmangu, a Shinto shrine.

"Hatsumode is a powerful ritual that lays an excellent foundation for the new year.The purpose is to enhance the new year with health, joy, abundance and positive energies which will uplift and empower our lives," the release said.

Here is a schedule of some New Year’s events on Oahu:

Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha-Hawaii Dazaifu Tenmangu, 1239 Olomea St., 841-4755. A traditional Shinto blessing will be held from midnight Dec. 31 to 5 p.m. Jan. 1, with complimentary bowls of ozoni mochi soup served from midnight to 2 a.m. and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A Shishimai lion dance, performed to exorcise spirits and invite good luck, will also be held from midnight Dec. 31 to 2 a.m. Jan. 1 and from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 1. Parking at Damien School (1401 Houghtailing St.) with free shuttle is available.

» Daijingu Temple of Hawaii, 61 Puiwa Road, 595-3102. On Dec. 31 the Rev. Akihiro Okada will perform the Ooharai, a great purification ritual, at 10 p.m., followed by the Jyoya Sai, a year-end blessing, at 11 p.m. The hatsumode blessing will begin at midnight Jan. 1. with a special gagaku performance from 2 to 3 p.m. Appointments can be made for New Year’s Shinto blessing services.

» Izumo Taishakyo Mission at 215 N. Kukui St. 538-7778. Call or email the Shinto shrine at izumotaisha@hawaii.rr.com for schedule of events.

» Shingon Shu Hawaii, 915 Sheridan St., 941-5663. New Year’s services will be held at the Buddhist temple from 11:30 p.m. Dec. 31, followed by the ringing of the temple bell by attendees 108 times beginning at midnight, then blessings.