January 19, 2011

Pray and Bow


There were a group of kids gathered in front of Asama Shrine the other day.

From their matching uniforms, I'd guess they're a part of a local soccer team. The kids were all very energetic and calling out to each other to hurry up and fall in line!


When they were all in a row, several of the kids shook the rope connected to the bell and after ringing it a few times, fell back into the line. And after a "Say-no (せいの)!" call from their coach, they all said a big "Kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegai shima su (今年もよろしくお願いします)!!!" This means something like "please let this be a good year," a prayer to the gods, and can also be used as a greeting when we meet people at the start of the year.

Oh, and of course, the kids bowed after that to seal their wish!

15 comments:

arabesque said...

i hope this will be a good year for all of them. ^0^
interesting post kaori.

Lois said...

They are so cute! They remind me of my grandson's soccer team.

VP said...

You caught some very inspiring moments for these kids. I wonder if their wish were for the team or more personal..

Babzy.B said...

you captured a nice moment :)

cieldequimper said...

I hope their wish comes true.

Michael Valčić said...

Interesting cultural photos here. I hope it is a good year too. =)

Have a good day!

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

They look so smart in their unifrom, just like my son when he was young and playing soccer.

Anonymous said...

Amazing. To see. Their respect.




daily athens

Tall Gary said...

Oh, it looks like they are standing in the shadow of the sacred Mount Fuji. But, of course, it’s the Arahata Fujizuka you were kind enough to show us before.

Many of us are quietly and reverently beseeching you to continue to grace us with your photos again this year. Last year was great 御陰さまで、、、

T. Becque said...

Another great and charming look into Japan!

Unknown said...

:)Nice.

Halcyon said...

Nice story. I hope they have a winning year.

London Caller said...

ちょっと遅いですが...^^;;;

今年もよろしくお願いします。

Kaori said...

ありがとうございますGary!!! ;-D

London Caller, こちらこそ宜しくお願いいたします!!! :-)

viagra without prescription said...

I think that it is great that they are keeping the tradition. I hope that they can success.

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