The appreciation ceremony for old dolls is held once a year in October at Meiji Jingu (Shinto Shrine) in Tokyo, Japan.

The appreciation ceremony for old dolls is held once a year in October at Meiji Jingu (Shinto Shrine) in Tokyo, Japan. Stock Photo
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Image details

Contributor:

Katrin Ewert / Alamy Stock Photo

Image ID:

2A54GM7

File size:

40.5 MB (1.2 MB Compressed download)

Releases:

Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?

Dimensions:

4608 x 3072 px | 39 x 26 cm | 15.4 x 10.2 inches | 300dpi

Date taken:

6 October 2019

Location:

Shinto Shrine, Tokyo, Japan

More information:

Since ancient times, Japanese people believe every doll has a soul which reminds of close friends and family. When a doll gets old and broken, people can't throw them away for these reasons. They wait until the annual doll appreciation ceremony, where they leave the doll together with a written gratitude message. The dolls are offered to the Shinto priest. In this ceremony, the doll's souls are purified and people are able to let go peacefully.