Bell ringing is first come, first served, so you may want to get there early!
“9:30–11:30 am: Bell Ringing for Asian Art Museum Members
10:00 am–3:00 pm: Art Activities
11:30 am: Bell Ringing Ceremony
Say goodbye to 2011 with family and friends by taking a swing at a giant temple bell!
Bring your loved ones to the Asian Art Museum and literally “ring in” the New Year, Japanese-style.
Everyone is invited to participate in the auspicious Japanese tradition of striking a temple bell. This popular event offers the community a memorable opportunity to reflect peacefully upon the passing year.
As in past observances, a 2100-lb., sixteenth-century Japanese bronze bell originally from a temple in Tajima Province in Japan and now part of the museum’s collection will be struck 108 times with a large custom-hewn log. According to Japanese custom, this symbolically welcomes the New Year and curbs the 108 bonno (mortal desires) which, according to Buddhist belief, torment humankind.
It is hoped that with each reverberation the bad experiences, wrong deeds, and ill luck of the past year will be wiped away. Thus, tolling heralds the start of a joyous, fresh New Year.
Zen Buddhist priest Gengo Akiba Roshi will conduct a blessing and begin the bell ringing. Akiba Roshi is director of the Soto Zen Buddhism North American office. He is also a Zen teacher at Oakland’s Kojin-an Zendo.
Hands-on art activities are offered in the education studios to entertain families while waiting for their turn at the bell.”
- WHERE: Asian Art Museum
200 Larkin Street (between Fulton and McAllister Streets)
San Francisco, CA 94102
- WHEN: Saturday, 12/31/11, 9:30–11:30 am: Bell Ringing for Asian Art Museum Members
10:00 am–3:00 pm: Art Activities
11:30 am: Bell Ringing Ceremony
- HOW MUCH: Museum admission; All children 12 and under FREE
- MORE INFO: http://www.asianart.org/bellringing.htm
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