Jodo e:
Prince Siddhartha left his castle at the age of 24 and traveled all over to seek the truth of life. He found out that the practices he encountered were not the right way so that he decided to meditate under a tree at Gaya. After seven weeks of meditation, in the early morning of December 8 the prince attained enlightenment and became a Buddha. Jodo e is held to commemorate the Buddha's enlightenment.
Setsubun:
Setsubun literally means "season demarcation". According to the calendar, February 3 or 4 is the last day of winter. On that day Setsubun service is held to pray for everyone's good health and protection from any calamity or evil deed. At the service a man and women of the year is selected. They are the Samgha members who are born in the same year as the current Chinese zodiac year. They participate in the throwing of beans to chase away evil out of the home and welcome good fortune throughout the year.
above: Mochi cakes offered to the Buddha. right and below: Samgha members prepare and make mochi for all the members.
New Years
A traditional food made at New Years is Mochi. A kind of sweet rice cake. The rice is first soaked, then steamed. Then it is put through a grinder to make a smooth , stickey paste which is then shaped into cakes.
New Years 2004