Japanese plunge into ice bath at Tokyo's shrine in purification ritual for New Year
The Shinto event is usually held on the second Sunday.
(Reuters) – Nearly one hundred people gathered at a Tokyo shrine to wash themselves in an icy bath on Sunday to purify their souls and wish for good health in the new year.
Barely dressed to bear the cold, amongst the 98 participants, there were 12 women, an 83-year-old man, and a 9-year-old boy, who came with his father to wish him luck and health.
This annual ritual, in its 64th year this time, was held under cloudy skies with temperature nearing five degree Celsius.
The Shinto event is usually held on the second Sunday, and participants exchange New Year s greetings.
