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Say goodbye to 2007 with family and friends Dec. 30 at the 22nd annual Japanese New Year Bell Ringing ceremony conducted at San Francisco’s Asian Art Museum.

Everyone is invited to literally "ring in” the New Year beginning at 11 a.m. by participating in the auspicious Japanese tradition of striking a temple bell.

This popular event offers the community a memorable opportunity to reflect peacefully upon the passing year.

As in past observances, a 2,100-pound, 16th century Japanese bronze bell, originally from a temple in Tajima Province in Japan and now part of the museum’s permanent collection, will be struck 108 times with a large custom-hewn log. According to Japanese custom, this symbolically welcomes the New Year and curbs the 108 bonno (mortal desires) which, according to Buddhist belief, torment humankind.

It is hoped that with each reverberation the bad experiences, wrong deeds, and ill luck of the past year will be wiped away. Thus, tolling the bell heralds the start of a joyous, fresh New Year.

Numbered tickets to ring the bell are assigned to visitors on a first-come, first-serve basis in South Court beginning at 10 a.m., when the museum opens to the public. No advance reservations are accepted.

Just more than 100 groups of four to six people will be assembled to strike the bell. Hands-on art activities are offered in the education studios to entertain families waiting for their turn at the bell.

The Asian Art Museum is located at 200 Larkin St. in San Francisco. For more information about events and programs call (415) 581-3500 or visit www.asianart.org.