Descriptions:
On the eve of December, preparations are underway for the New Year. At the Shiogama Shrine in Shiogama City, Miyagi Prefecture, a large votive tablet was decorated with the image of the next year’s zodiac “Snake”. The large ema at Shiogama Temple is 2.5 meters long, 3.8 meters wide and weighs about 300 kg. The decorations were placed under the east gate of the temple and seven temple employees worked on the decorations. Ema depicts the parent and child of the next year’s zodiac sign, the Snake, the Shiogama cherry tree, a national natural monument, and the mascot of the Shiogama Shrine, “Morisio”. Visitor: “I’m looking forward to the new year. I received power from the votive tablets at Shiogama Temple.” Shiogama Hirotaka Mishina Goneyoshi Shrine: “Since this is the Year of the Snake, I wish you long and healthy years. and a prosperous year like a snake.” Shiogama Temple expects about 500,000 visitors during the first three days of the New Year.