Ushi no toki mairi
Ushi no toki mairi is a special and spooky tradition from Japan. It's a way to visit a shrine or temple at night and get rid of any bad luck or juju that might be following you around.
First, you need to pick the right night to go. Traditionally, it's done on the night of the Ox (which comes every 12 days in the lunar calendar), so it's called "ushi no toki" which means "time of the Ox." But some people also do it on the night of the Rooster or Snake.
Next, you go to the shrine or temple. It's best to do this with a group of friends or family, so nobody gets scared. You might need a flashlight or lantern to help you see in the dark.
When you get there, you'll usually see a big gate or torii. You need to bow to this gate to show respect to the gods or spirits that live there. Then, you'll walk up to the main building, which is usually a big hall or pagoda.
Sometimes, there will be a special entrance or hole in the wall that you have to crawl through. This is called the "uta-guchi" or "song mouth." It's said that if you can crawl through it, you'll get rid of all your bad luck.
Inside the hall or pagoda, you'll see a big statue or image of a god or goddess. You'll bow or clap your hands to show respect. Some people also leave offerings, like coins or candy.
Finally, you'll say a special prayer or wish. You can ask for anything you want, like good luck, health, happiness, or success. Just make sure to say it with all your heart!
After you're done, you can leave the shrine or temple and go home. Hopefully, all your bad luck has been scared away! You might feel a little bit tired or emotional from the experience, but that's normal. Just be happy that you took part in such a special and spooky tradition.
First, you need to pick the right night to go. Traditionally, it's done on the night of the Ox (which comes every 12 days in the lunar calendar), so it's called "ushi no toki" which means "time of the Ox." But some people also do it on the night of the Rooster or Snake.
Next, you go to the shrine or temple. It's best to do this with a group of friends or family, so nobody gets scared. You might need a flashlight or lantern to help you see in the dark.
When you get there, you'll usually see a big gate or torii. You need to bow to this gate to show respect to the gods or spirits that live there. Then, you'll walk up to the main building, which is usually a big hall or pagoda.
Sometimes, there will be a special entrance or hole in the wall that you have to crawl through. This is called the "uta-guchi" or "song mouth." It's said that if you can crawl through it, you'll get rid of all your bad luck.
Inside the hall or pagoda, you'll see a big statue or image of a god or goddess. You'll bow or clap your hands to show respect. Some people also leave offerings, like coins or candy.
Finally, you'll say a special prayer or wish. You can ask for anything you want, like good luck, health, happiness, or success. Just make sure to say it with all your heart!
After you're done, you can leave the shrine or temple and go home. Hopefully, all your bad luck has been scared away! You might feel a little bit tired or emotional from the experience, but that's normal. Just be happy that you took part in such a special and spooky tradition.
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