AOL.com Video - Prayers at Old Temple on New Year

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Prayers at Old Temple on New Year

Description:The year of the dragon has come, and in Beijing, thousands flocked to the Lama Temple for prayers. Never mind freezing temperatures. The 17th century monastery is a popular place of worship for people from all over China on the first day of the Lunar New Year. Incense burned and prayers were said. One auspicious practice is to hit a giant bell with a stick. This is meant to ward off evil and bring luck for the year ahead. (1:47)

Source: Reuters

Tags: Prayers at Old Temple on New Year , asian new year celebrations , beijing new lunar year celebrations , china lunar new year