A Christmas tree lighting ceremony was recently held at Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts' Kyotanabe Campus in Kodo, Kyotanabe City, Kyoto Prefecture. The approximately 12-meter-tall tree was decorated with 5,489 LED bulbs. As the sun set, a warm orange glow enveloped the area.
The approximately four weeks leading up to Christmas are considered the "Advent" period, during which people await the birth of Jesus Christ. The annual lighting ceremony celebrates this period and signals the beginning of the Christmas season.
At the Kyotanabe Campus, a Norway spruce tree planted in the central garden was adorned with electric lights, illuminated with the Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts emblem. A student choir sang hymns during the ceremony. Anne Hayama (20 years old), who served as emcee, said, "This is a special and important event at Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts. The solemn illuminations really create a Christmas atmosphere."
The tree will be lit until December 26th. Visitors are welcome to view the tree upon request. A Christmas tree lighting ceremony was also held at the nearby Kyotanabe campus of Doshisha University.
