Visit to a shrine on New Year's Day 新初參拜

A happy new year! May this year bring you success, happiness and health.

新年好! 祝你們健康 全家幸福。 日本現在以陽曆恭賀新年。我也去參拜神社。

This is a stone gate built in front of the approach to the shrine. Before praying, people wash hands and rinse their mouths to purify them.
People ring a big bell before praying. A pair of lions guards the shrine.
People receive talismans from girls in shrine uniform. Red color is a symbol of happiness. 這些穿著紅白衣裳的小姐們在神社中從事奏樂祈禱。相似古代女巫。
This is an ornament for new year, made of bamboo, pine leaves and plum tree. 這個叫做"門松"。用松竹梅做的。這三種是日本吉祥植物。