Dozens of people soaked and splashed themselves in painfully icy cold water in a pool at a Tokyo shrine, adhering to Japanese tradition to purify the soul and pray for good health in the new year
The main conceptual idea of the article is the Japanese tradition of purifying the soul and praying for good health in the new year by bathing in icy water at a Tokyo shrine.
The article highlights:
* Cultural Significance: This ritual is part of Shinto, Japan's indigenous religion, and is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture.
* Ritualistic Elements: Participants warm up with exercises, wear specific clothing (loincloth for men, white robes for women), and shout "Ei!" while immersing themselves in the icy water.
* Community: The event is a communal experience with cheering from participants and onlookers.
Essentially, the article conveys the significance of this traditional practice in promoting spiritual renewal and well-being.
The main conceptual idea of the article is the Japanese tradition of purifying the soul and praying for good health in the new year by bathing in icy water at a Tokyo shrine. The article highlights: * Cultural Significance: This ritual is part of Shinto, Japan's indigenous religion, and is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. * Ritualistic Elements: Participants warm up with exercises, wear specific clothing (loincloth for men, white robes for women), and shout "Ei!" while immersing themselves in the icy water. * Community: The event is a communal experience with cheering from participants and onlookers. Essentially, the article conveys the significance of this traditional practice in promoting spiritual renewal and well-being.