On December 27, 2023, just before New Year's Eve, a trial of the New Year's Eve bell was held at Chion-in Temple, the head temple of the Jodo sect in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City. As 17 monks pounded the shumoku vigorously, the deep tones of the temple bell echoed through the cold winter sky.
The great bell of Chion-in Temple was cast in 1636. It measures 2.8 meters in diameter, approximately 3.3 meters in height, and weighs approximately 70 tons, and is considered one of Japan's three great temple bells, along with Hokoji Temple and Todaiji Temple.
During the trial thrust, the 16 monks pulled the thin rope in unison, and shouted, "Ei, Hitotsu" and "Sore." Taking this as a signal, a monk, holding a thick rope, fell down on his back, pulled the rope to the bell, and struck it forcefully.
Yoshizumi Kida (77 years old), chief deacon of Chion-in Temple, said, ``This year there were many sad events in the world, such as wars.I hope next year will be a year in which we can sympathize with the pain and sadness.''
The New Year's Eve bell will begin at 10:40 pm on December 31st. This year, for the first time in four years, there will be no limit on the number of worshipers.
