Hatsumode - “First Visit” (of the New Year)
New Year offerings
What is Hatsumode?
Hatsu-mode literally means “first visit.” In Japan, it is the first visit to a shrine or temple of the New Year to give thanks and pray for the rest of the days to come.
Some sources say the 90,000+ shrines in Japan are visited by over 100 million people in Japan during the first three days of the year!
Hatsumode at Mochitsuki PSU 2020
How to Hatsumode.
New Year, new hope, new beginnings start with cleansing your mind, body, and spirit.
After bathing and putting on new clothes, go to shrine. There are many etiquette variations but a standard seems to be: make an offering, ring the bells, 2-rei (bows), 2-hakushu (claps), pray, then 1-rei (bow) to end.
Video below is made specifically for Konko’s Hatsumode booth at Mochitsuki PDX. Enjoy!
Konko Church altar in Portland
Come Hatsumode!
Virtual experience, or mail in Hatsumode!