Hugging a giant block of ice may seem a bizarre way to bring good fortune to your new year, but at least these men from Japan can console themselves with the thought that it can’t get much worse.<\/p>\n
In in Tokyo yesterday around 100 people took part in the ancient Shinto festival of Kanchu Misogi, a winter purification ritual that is supposed to cleanse the body and soul and bring them closer to mystical spirits which they believe can bring them success.<\/p>\n
In temperatures of just 40F (6C) these men stripped down to loincloths and headbands before taking a dip in the freezing water of the pool at Teppozu Inari Shinto shrine while crouching down in order to pray.<\/p>\n
The ritual is celebrated across Japan and usually involved participants washing themselves with cold water, but can also involve being covered in snow.<\/p>\n
Shinto is less of a religion and more of a way of life, and followers perform many rituals designed to please kame – meaning spirits or powers. This particular shrine is dedicated to Inari, one of the most important kame who brings success, prosperity and fertility.<\/p>\n
Shinto has no God or Gods, no founder, no central commandments and allows people to follow other religions.<\/p>\n
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