Giant Ox Votive Tablet Hung Up At Nara Shrine
A giant votive tablet featuring an ox has been put on display at a shrine in Nara Prefecture, western Japan. The ox is next year's animal symbol in the Oriental zodiac.
The hanging of the huge plaque is part of a seasonal tradition at Kashihara Jingu Shrine. The plaque is 5.4 meters wide and 4.5 meters high.
Priests participated in a ritual on Monday. They recited Shinto prayers and purified the offering.
Visitors took pictures of the giant tablet.
A young woman said next year she wants her fortunes to improve and she wants to travel more.
Fujimoto Shizuhiro painted the tablet. He said he was praying that the coronavirus would go away soon, while he was drawing the bull.
More than one million people visit the shrine every year during the New Year's holidays. Priests are preparing to take measures this year to prevent the coronavirus from spreading. They are thinking about arranging different routes for worshipers.
