Buddhika Weerasinghe: Japanese Welcomed To 'Year Of The Dragon'

A Japanese Shinto priestess, Miko (shrine maidens) performs purification dance during the new year blessing at Sosha Shrine on January 1, 2012. (Photo by Buddhika Weerasinghe)

©Buddhika Weerasinghe

A Japanese Shinto priestess, Miko (shrine maidens) perform purification dance during the new year blessing at Sosha Shrine on January 1, 2012. (Photo by Buddhika Weerasinghe)

People ring the temple bell at Zuiganji Buddhist temple on January 1, 2012 in Himeji, Japan. Japanese people attend the Buddhist temple at midnight on 31 December for the ringing of the temple bell to welcome the New Year. In Japanese belief there are 108 elements to the human mind, so the bell is rung 108 times as a blessing of happiness for the New Year. (Photo by Buddhika Weerasinghe)

A woman lights candles at Zuiganji Buddhist temple on January 1, 2012 in Himeji, Japan. Japanese people attend the Buddhist temple at midnight on 31 December for the ringing of the temple bell to welcome the New Year. In Japanese belief there are 108 elements to the human mind, so the bell is rung 108 times as a blessing of happiness for the New Year. (Photo by Buddhika Weerasinghe)

People rings shrine bell and pray for happiness during the new year blessing at Sosha Shrine on January 1, 2012. (Photo by Buddhika Weerasinghe)

A Japanese Shinto priestess, Miko (shrine maidens) performs purification dance during the new year blessing at Sosha Shrine on January 1, 2012. (Photo by Buddhika Weerasinghe)

Japanese Shinto priestess, Miko (shrine maidens) sale 'Hamaya' (arrows intended to destroy evil spirits) to which 'Emas' (wooden plaques) are attached featuring a picture of dragon in celebration of the 'Year of the Dragon' at Sosha Shrine on January 1, 2012 in Himeji, Japan. Japanese zodiac years are commonly associated with the twelve animals Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig and this coming year will be the year of the Dragon. Japan (Photo by Buddhika Weerasinghe)

People rings shrine bell and pray for happiness during the new year blessing at Sosha Shrine on January 1, 2012. (Photo by Buddhika Weerasinghe)

A Japanese Shinto priestess, Miko (shrine maidens) performs purification dance during the new year blessing at Sosha Shrine on January 1, 2012. (Photo by Buddhika Weerasinghe)

People rings shrine bell and pray for happiness during the new year blessing at Sosha Shrine on January 1, 2012. (Photo by Buddhika Weerasinghe)

A woman hangs new year fortune blessing paper at Sosha Shrine on January 1, 2012 in Himeji, Japan. (Photo by Buddhika Weerasinghe)

A Japanese Shinto priestess, Miko (shrine maidens) performs purification dance during the new year blessing at Sosha Shrine on January 1, 2012. (Photo by Buddhika Weerasinghe)

People rings shrine bell and pray for happiness during the new year blessing at Sosha Shrine on January 1, 2012. (Photo by Buddhika Weerasinghe)

A Japanese Shinto priestess, Miko (shrine maidens) performs purification dance during the new year blessing at Sosha Shrine on January 1, 2012. (Photo by Buddhika Weerasinghe)

A woman cleans her hand next to dragon water sculpture is displayed at the Gokogo Shrine on January 1, 2012 in Himeji, Japan. Japanese zodiac years are commonly associated with the twelve animals Mouse, Cow, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig and this coming year will be the year of the Dragon. Japan celebrates their New Year on January 1 of each year, following the Gregorian calendar. (Photo by Buddhika Weerasinghe)