New years eve, December 31st.
The sound of bells echoes all throughout Japan.
Gooong. Gooong. Gooong.
This sound reverberating through the night causes Japanese to look back on the year that is passed, and think about the new year.
Just how many times does the bell ring?
There may not be anyone who takes the time to count from beginning to end, but common all throughout Japan the bell is rang 108 times.
This 108 has a deeper meaning, as it is said to be the number of humans’ worldy desires according to the teachings of Buddhism.
*Worldly desires being a general term for desires in humans that afterwards cause a sense of guilt and regret
The bell is rang a hundred and eight times to cast off the 108 worldly desires and welcome in the new year.
This bell-ringing event is held at temples all over Japan on new years eve, from around 7 p.m. until the new year, with many lined up to ring the bell, and it is rang the final 108th time once the new year has begun.
However, these days there are temples that ring the bell more than 108 times for the benefit of tourists, and it could be worth checking out.
If you are a devout person yourself, why not cast off a few worldly desires of your own and welcome in a new year in Japan?