'Omizutori' rite heralds arrival of spring

NARA, Japan - The verandah of the Nigatsdudo Hall of the Todaiji Temple in Nara is lit up with torches waved by monks in the annual ''omizutori (water drawing)'' rite March 12. The monks go down to draw water from the nearby well to offer it to the image of the 11-faced Kannonn, the central divinity of the hall. One of the classical rites in the Kansai area, it symbolizes the arrival of spring.

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2002/3/12 00:00:00

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Kyodo / Kyodo News Images

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2002 Kyodo News

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(1)'Omizutori' rite at Todaiji Temple heralds arrival of spring

NARA, Japan - The verandah of the Nigatsudo Hall of Todaiji Temple in Nara is lit up with torches waved by monks in the annual ''omizutori (water drawing)'' rite March 1. The classical rite in the ancient capital Nara symbolizes the arrival of spring.

(2)'Omizutori' rite at Todaiji Temple heralds arrival of spring

NARA, Japan - Sparks from torches waved by monks are scattered around at the verandah of the Nigatsudo Hall of the Todaiji Temple in Nara in the annual ''omizutori (water drawing)'' rite March 1. The classical rite in the ancient capital Nara symbolizes the arrival of spring.

'Omizutori' rite heralds arrival of spring

NARA, Japan - The verandah of the Nigatsdudo Hall of the Todaiji Temple in Nara is lit up with torches waved by monks in the annual ''omizutori (water drawing)'' rite March 12. One of the classical rites in the ancient capital Nara, it symbolizes the arrival of spring.