Looking For an Unusual Way to Ring In the New Year?
Surrounded by a little moat, the Yokohama Friendship Bell is not accessible to the public for most of the year. On December 31, the Buddhist Temple of San Diego has permission from the City to put down a little ramp, connect a rope to the striker log, and conduct the bell-ringing ceremony at the site.
The year-end bell-ringing Buddhist ritual purges 108 frailties and passions experienced during year, allowing for fresh new year. At 11:30pm, the crowd will gather to listen to a brief history of the Yokohama Friendship Bell, and offer fragrant incense as the Buddhist minister chants sutras. Participants cross the ramp to climb the steps to the bell tower and take turns swinging the rope to swing a wooden log against the huge bonsho bell. A resounding gong of the bell will assure the participant a “clean slate” for the next 365 days.
The Shelter Island Friendship Bell is located at 1402 Shelter Island Drive at the very end of the peninsula. Dress warmly and plan to be there at 11:30 on New Year’s Eve.
Admission: Free.
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POSTED IN: Events, Recreation
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