A tradition at the shore of Odawara [The first swim of New Year's Day] - Also featuring a Taiko performance. January 1, 2012

Translated from the original article at: http://odawara-hakone.keizai.biz/headline/764/

 

Caption: Embracing New Year's Day with a prayer, the first swim of the year at the shore of Odawara.

The traditional "first swim of New Year's Day" was conducted at Odawara's renowned beach. At sunrise, spectators came to witness the celebration of the new year.

This year marked the 88th occasion of the event. The Taiko group ”衆” (Japanese site) performed music at the start of the event. Off shore, fishing boats displaying traditional Japanese fishing flags (Japanese site) gathered, producing a bustling New Year's atmosphere.

Ranging from ages 17 to 65, members of the Odawara Swimming Association as well as fifteen male team members of the local swimming club participated. Facing a 5 degree atmosphere and 15 degree water temperature, they suddenly jumped into the ocean at the moment of sunrise. Everyone assembled into circles while torso-deep in the ocean, then clapped in a 3, 3, 3, 1 rhythm, praying for safety and good health.

Original text:
小田原の海岸で恒例「元旦初泳ぎ」－和太鼓の演奏も

（2012年01月01日）

小田原の海岸で初日の出に向かって祈願する初泳ぎ

小田原の御幸の浜海岸で恒例の「元旦初泳ぎ」が行われ、初日の出を見に来た観光客と新年を祝った。

今年で88回を迎えた同行事。今年は創作和太鼓集団「衆」による演奏が披露され、初泳ぎを開始。沖には大漁旗を掲げた漁船が集まり、新年のにぎやかな雰囲気を演出した。

参加したのは17歳～65歳の小田原水泳協会会員と地域スイミングクラブ所属選手の男性15人。気温5度・水温15度の中、日の出時刻に一斉に海へ入った。沖で全員が立ち泳ぎをしながら円陣を組み、三本締めで海の安全と健康を祈願した。