29th Annual 2015 Japanese New Year Bell Ringing Ceremony - Asian Art MuseumNEW

A unique, fun, and family friendly way to ring in the new year!  Say goodbye to this year with family and friends by taking a swing at a giant temple bell!

In this contemplative and festive ceremony, participants can strike the museum's 2,100-lb., 16th-century Japanese bronze bell to herald the start of a fresh New Year. Led by Rev. Gengo Akiba with opening remarks about the Japanese New Year by Yoshie Akiba (founder and namesake of Yoshi's jazz club), the ceremony includes a purification ritual and chanting of the Buddhist Heart Sutra. Rev. Akiba begins the bell ringing, and participants take turns ringing the bronze bell to leave behind any negative experiences, wrong deeds and ill luck of the previous year. First come, first served. Pick up tickets to ring the bell at the admission desk.

Doors open at 9:30 AM for members. Our regular visitors can get their chance at 11:30 AM.

Date
Sunday, December 31, 2014

Children 12 and under always admitted free!

Schedule
11:30 am - Free with museum admission

It's almost time to say goodbye to the current year, and there's no better way to do it than by striking a giant 16th-century temple bell from Japan. Gather your loved ones and take a swing at an actual art object from our collection. According to Buddhist belief, each ring of the bell wipes the slate clean of bad experiences, wrong doings, and ill luck. Bask in the positive and peaceful vibes, and stick around for art activities. Members, you can ring our bell earlier in the morning (see the membership section of this e-newsletter). Please note, get your numbered ticket at the admission desk upon arrival. You'll need it to participate.

Bring your loved ones to the Asian Art Museum and literally "ring in" the New Year, Japanese-style. Everyone is invited to participate in the auspicious Japanese tradition of striking a temple bell. This popular event offers the community a memorable opportunity to reflect peacefully upon the passing year.

As in past observances, a 2100-lb., sixteenth-century Japanese bronze bell originally from a temple in Tajima Province in Japan and now part of the museum's collection will be struck 108 times with a large custom-hewn log. According to Japanese custom, this symbolically welcomes the New Year and curbs the 108 bonno (mortal desires) which, according to Buddhist belief, torment humankind. It is hoped that with each reverberation the bad experiences, wrong deeds, and ill luck of the past year will be wiped away. Thus, tolling heralds the start of a joyous, fresh New Year.

Zen Buddhist priest Gengo Akiba Roshi will conduct a blessing and begin the bell ringing. Akiba Roshi is director of the Soto Zen Buddhism North American office. He is also a Zen teacher at Oakland's Kojin-an Zendo.

Hands-on art activities are offered in the education studios to entertain families while waiting for their turn at the bell.