Nara-Tokae

1300years ago,Nara was the capital of Japan.Every year on the site of the old capital is held an event which is called "Tokae".
This event started in 1999 and continues for 10days from the beginning until the middle of August.
Over 10,000candles are arranged all over Nara park,especially on the paths leading to big temples.

I especially liked the artistic shapes which had been laid out in the temple grounds,I saw "a heart""a deer face""lightning""Chinese characters　和"  for   "和"　means peace,love co-operation etc.

a heart

a deer face



lightning




Chinese character  和


It was very beautiful like a flower garden or fire flies in a dark forest.
The organizers,used the candles to symbolize people's prayers for peace and harmony all  over the world.

For 500yen you can buy a candle floating in a cup of water and place it as instructed by a guide,before lightning it yourself.The money raised goes towards next year's event.I thought it was a good idea to support the event in this way and I could join in the spirit of the event by offering a prayer for continued health and peace on this planet.

I found a souvenir shop and bought a candle with a special cup which has Nara's mascot "Sento-kun"printed on it."Sento-kun"appeared about 3years ago as the winner of a competition created by the prefectural government of Nara.He looks like the big Buddha of Todai-ji temple but he has deer's antlers on his head.

Sento-kun