AroundDolceStreet's Fotothing

10/14/07

A bell of a really old and small temple in a moutain village where my aunt lives in Mie Prefecture. This temple was originally built in Heian Period (794 to 1185). This bell is rang for 108 times for a new year countdown on every December 31 before midnight. It's called "Joyano Kane." The 108 peals are believed to free the faithful from the 108 earthly desires as said in the Buddhist canon. Ringing the bell 108 times is believed to free evil for the coming year.

For more about Heian Period:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heian_period