Tradition, faith, and superstition send everyone to the temples and shrines at midnight tonight to make the first homage of the year. Clapping hands or ringing bells, you capture the attention of the enshrined spirit, then toss some change in the offerings box and bow. On the way out, you might make a purchase of a lucky arrow or a charm.

It’s an enchanting time. The temple grounds bustle and everyone is happy. Some places have festival stalls lining the street so you can get a nibble of fried noodles or a baby custard doughnut on the way home.

But I am worried that I might be cursed.

The year before last, I visited a shrine famous for keeping households safe; during the year we moved twice. Last year, I visited a shrine popular for its curative properties then spent the year chasing headaches and thyroid tumors. Maybe both situations would have been worse if I hadn’t gotten the lucky arrows, but they were so extraordinary to begin with…

I’m not taking any chances this year. No temples. No shrines. Posted by kuri at December 31, 2001 08:09 AM