Tōrin-in celebrates Koshōgatsu during the 2nd half of January (小豆粥で初春を祝う会).

Guests are first served 'fuku-cha' (福茶), a tea made with the year's first drawn water.
Plums, resistant to the cold and a symbol of longevity, are eaten to cleanse the mouth and dispel any 'evil'.

#Torinin #Myoshinji #Japan #Kyoto

In part thanks to the current head, Nishikawa Genbō (西川玄房 *somewhat of a celebrity in his own right*), Tōrin-in has become well known for its (vegetarian) 'devotional cuisine'.

Fresh vegetables are grown behind the temple, and classes are held each Tuesday.

#東林院 #Kyoto #Torinin #京都 #Japan #西川玄房

For most communities the New Year began with the first full moon of the first month.

It was customary to eat 'azuki-gayu' (小豆粥), a rice gruel mixed with red adzuki beans, for health and to exorcise evil spirits.
Red was considered a protective colour, especially against disease.

#littlenewyear #newyear #azuki #beans #gruel #Torinin #Myoshinji

🌾LITTLE NEW YEAR🙏

Before the New Year celebrations wrap up, there is one more observance to be made on January 15th.

Tōrin-in preserves the tradition of 'Koshōgatsu' (小正月 'Little New Year'), a once-popular ritual in rural areas, where people would pray for good harvests.

#Myoshinji #妙心寺 #Torinin #小正月 #Kyoto #littlenewyear #Japan