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| What are the special features of ringing the New Year in by sounding the evening bell in Longhua Temple? |
On every new year's eve, guests at home and from abroad are sure to gather together in the famous ancient temple-the Longhua Monastery, ready to listen to the 108 times of bell-sounding in the temple to ring the new year in and the obi out in order to pray fox happiness and long life or seek pleasure and merriment. At Ihe time the ancient temple is thronged with people hustling and hustling here and there, the fervency being carried on till the nexl morning.
In the 12th two-hour period at around midnight of December 31, the grand religious service is conducted right here in the temple. 108 lucky visitors led by the master monk are going to mount the bell-tower to sound the "Longhua Evening Bell." At the time the "bell rumbles out its rhythmic cadence while the old pagoda stands in great resplendence." With the religious bugle hooting down below the bell-tower the halls are permeated with the fragrance of joss-sticks. The 108 times of bell-sounding seem to be the peals of thunder, resounding over in the air at night in Shanghai and calling for the awareness of the sentient beings. In tile meanwhile, on the square outside the temple fire-crackers are set off' one after another while gongs and drums are beaten to echo the enthusiastic atmosphere. In addition staged here are dragon and lion dances along with some other folk performances. By the time the joyous atmosphere reaches its climax and gradually dies down early in the morning.
During recent years, along with the speedy development of tourism industry visitors pay special attention to their playing a part in the activity. To off'er convenience to their visit and sightseeing or participation they can go up to the bell-tower just by buying a ticket for sounding the bell or be conducted by the master monk to go round the pagoda kowtowing and praying or join the actors and actresses in singing and dancing or again go to buy in the temple propitious ordination diploma for the protection of safety and happiness in the year or have a bowl of "spend over the year noodle" in the temple. |
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