Ryukyu Life: Tradition

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Today the sailing sabani boats of Itoman, Okinawa were in a parade.

A procession, to Hakugindo Shrine was made by the sabani boat teams.

Prayers and offerings insure a safe and productive New Year.

Afterwards, the boats, decorated with colorful banners and flags, sailed around Itoman Port.

Camera: Pentax K3

Lens: Pentax 18-250 and 1.4 converter -- Focal Length 252MM

Exposure: f/11 1/400 ISO 100

Date and Time: FEB 11 2016 9:49AM

Related Post: 2014 Itoman Okinawa Sabani Boat Parade

Thursday, January 3, 2013

This young lady is tying some paper to a tree.

The photo was taken New Year's Day at Kin Kannon Temple in Okinawa, Japan.

Most people try to make a visit to either a shrine or temple the first few days of January.

But, traffic conditions and weather sometimes make it difficult.

So, the tradition may be carried out any time during the month and, even into February.

The piece of folded paper being placed on the branch of a tree, is her fortune.

Years ago, only fortunes that were considered bad, were displayed in this manner.

Now, it seems like everyone ties them, to be left behind, on New Years.

We can't be sure if that many people are going to have misfortune in the year 2013.

It could just be, they are copying what they see others doing.

Whenever the shrine and temple photography slows down, I'll grab one of those fortunes.

If it's a good one, I'll keep it in my wallet. If not, up the tree it goes.

Then, I'll keep paying and taking fortunes, until we get it right !

Today's Feature Photo

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