Sunday, February 22, 2009

Happy New Year!

A belated Happy New Year from Okinawa! The Okinawans start the new year with a visit to a shrine to request good health and fortune in the upcoming year. Note the picture on the front of the shrine - The Year of the Bull.

At the start of the new year, Okinawans decorate their front dooors with talismans to ward off evil spirits and to welcome good fortune.... Welcoming the New Year complete with entertainment and fireworks at the "American Village" in nearby Chatan.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Enjoyed the updates. The photos and commentaries are great. I especially enjoyed the butterfly garden and the glass works. Keep 'em coming!!!
Jani