The Donto Festival

14 January is Dontosai (Donto Festival) in Sendai. It's the oldest festival in Miyagi. People bring their New Year's decorations to a temple or shrine, and burn them in a big bonfire to wish for their health and prosperity. Some folks from companies walk to the shrine wearing only some white cloth wrapped around them, holding a bell and a lamp, and a piece of paper in their mouth.

I went to Toshogu again. I didn't see such parties because it was a bit early, but the shrine was pretty crowded. It was a cold day, about zero degree Celsius at that time. The big bonfire reminded me of Guy Fawkes Day in England. Some children shouted "Fire! Fire!" Everywhere children do similar things:)
http://iadnes.blogspot.com/2011/11/guy-fawkes-day.html

People toss offerings of money into boxes and pray for good health and happiness.
People throw ornaments in a big bonfire.
Ema are wooden tablets on which to write your wishes.
I saw some students' ema. Wish you will pass the exam!

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