Uchimizu

"Uchimizu" 打ち水 refers to the sprinkling of water in Japanese gardens and streets. It is more than a mere matter of hygiene and has, in temples and gardens, a ritual or contemplative purpose. In streets in summer, it serves to cool the immediate area, keep down dust and also please neighbors. Japanese people see "uchimizu" as being exemplifying national values as it combines utilitarian, aesthetic, courteous and dutiful ends.

Traditionally, this was done with a bucket and ladle, and the sprinkler would wear a "yukata", or summer kimono. In its more modern forms, various green groups have used the Internet to encourage people in Japan to do "uchimizu" with recycled water as a form of environmentally aware public courtesy. [http://www.expo2005.or.jp/en/event/event09/0901/a83254754c6d0e7f4925706a0036f5b4.html] [http://www.thewe.cc/weplanet/news/glaciers_melting.htm]

External links

* [http://www.uchimizu.jp/eng.html Site explaining this custom for foreigners (in English)]