ō-harai

religious rite, Japan

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Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

In Japanese religion, ō-harai refers to a significant Shintō purification ceremony. These rites, along with water-based misogi exercises, are essential for cleansing individuals, enabling them to approach a deity or sacred power (kami). The primary agents of purification are salt, water, and fire. These practices are rooted in the myth of Izanagi cleansing himself after visiting the land of the dead.1

Ō-harai ceremonies are conducted twice annually, on June 30 and December 31, and also during national disasters to cleanse the entire country of sins and impurities. Simpler purification rites involve washing hands, rinsing the mouth, or a priest using a harai-gushi (a paper-adorned wand) to wave over a worshiper.1

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harai
Great purification ceremonies called ō-harai are held regularly twice a year, on June 30 and December 31, and at times of national disasters to purge the entire country from sins and impurities.
Read More
Great purification ceremonies called ō-harai are held regularly twice a year, on June 30 and December 31, and at times of national disasters to purge the entire country from sins and impurities.
Read More