Week 2 Review

 

 (image source: wiki)

This mask is so cool. It's associated with Setsubun, which is a ceremony held the day before the start of Spring. I love masks! When I was in high school, I was in a sculpture class and I spent most of it creating masks. I'd love to have the time to explore that again!

I love learning about Japan — I was supposed to travel there with my friends last March, but... well... you know.

The video associated with this mask is also cool: Kyoto Festival: Spring Ogre Purification 

 

This is a cleansing ritual meant to drive away evil spirits for the year. Absolutely fascinating! I wish there were more events, and cultural ceremonies like this in America. The closest I can think of are St. Patrick's Day, Marti Gras, and Cinco de Mayo  — all of which have to do with drinking, and none of them are culturally American. I suppose they bring people together though lol