Rev. Myoko Takano, of Jodo Mission of Hawaii, hits the taiko drum during the service.During the service, attendees watched a prerecorded video of Jodo Mission’s Bishop Kosen Ishikawa sending everyone best wishes for the new year.Herbert Fujikawa of Honolulu lifted his 4-year-old son, Wyatt, to ring the bell to usher in the new year. The bell is sounded 108 times to signify the dispelling of 108 passions which all human beings have.Darin Miyashiro of Honolulu also rang the bell to signify the arrival of the new year.Daijingu Temple of Hawaii had taken extraordinary measures to comply with city and state laws regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Rev. Akihiro Okada conducted the blessings.Kailani Kudo conducted the blessings during the daylight hours.Omikuji, or fortune-telling strips, are tied to wires, or sometimes on trees, when the fortune is unfavorableA New Year’s wish is written on an ema board and hung in hope that the wish will come true.The entrance to Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii was a bit different this year due to strict mandates for the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of washing hands in the sink area and then proceeding up the stairs to the entrance of the temple, guests were met with a volunteer who administered the blessings after donations were placed in a wooden vault.Omamori, or amulets, are made to bring spiritual support and protection to owners in specific aspects of their life such as travel, studies, health, relationships, sports and water safety. Pets can also wear a pendant omamori on their collars.Some visitors experienced a more formal blessing in the main temple, which included a branch offering, some tea and a package containing an omamori and a calendar for 2021.A family looking at the large selection of omamori.
