Backlogged pictures

I thought I'd already posted a picture of Miss Caterpillar but was mistaken. So for posterity and those who cannot easily imagine a 6-7 foot long colorful alphabet-branden insect, here is a picture:

...isn't she adorable?

...I also did take a few pictures of the Tendai Buddhist Setsubun ritual at Toyo's temple last weekend. I'm always a little hesitant to take pictures of deeply spiritual things for two reasons. One, I'm worried about offending someone, and two, pictures never do justice to the experience. A bunch of other people were fertively snapping away, though, and the experience was one that few people I know may ever have the chance to partake in... so, in an attempt to share more of what the experience was like, here is a picture of one of the head priests praying (during chanting with various musical instruments) and feeding the sacred fire with tablets people had bought and written their names on (for good health in the coming year).


After the indoor ritual was completed, everyone headed outside for the ritualized burning of the previous year's o-mamori, or protective amulets. I saw a bunch of special New Year's stuff in the pile as well as standard "bless this home" charms. When the fire was lit, the monks spread out in a circle around it and chanted, utilizing a few of the more portable instruments.

The monk in brown robes is shaking a mini metal replica of a monk's walking staff; it made a pleasant jangling sound.


The monk on the right in green robes has a small bell.

...they're all standing far back because the fire was huge and very hot. I took these pictures and then backed away some more; even from several meters away, my face was uncomfortably warm while turned towards the flames.