Oharae (大祓) is an ancient Japanese purification ritual performed twice a year, in June and December. The purpose of this ceremony is to cleanse people of any sins, impurities, or misfortunes they may have accumulated in their daily lives. By participating in Oharae, individuals can refresh their spirit and welcome the next six months with a clean slate.
One of the most well-known parts of this ceremony is the Chinowa Kuguri (茅の輪くぐり), where participants walk through a large ring made of chigaya grass to purify themselves. This practice has deep historical and mythological roots, making it one of Japan’s most fascinating spiritual traditions.
I’d like to experience Chinowa Kuguri!
Then let’s go this year!
In this article, we will explore the meaning of Oharae, the rituals involved, the origins of Chinowa Kuguri, and even how this tradition appears in the video game Nioh 2.
What Is Oharae?
Oharae, also known as the “Great Purification,” is a Shinto ritual performed at shrines across Japan on June 30th and December 31st.
The origins of Oharae date back to Japanese mythology. The legend of Izanagi no Mikoto, a god who purified himself after visiting the underworld, serves as the foundation of this ritual. By performing Oharae, people symbolically cleanse themselves in the same way.
If you want to know about the story of Izanagi,
check the article below as well.
The Ritual of Oharae
How Is Oharae Performed?
During Oharae, a special prayer called the Oharae Kotoba (大祓詞) is recited to purify the participants. Additionally, people use Hitogata (人形), small paper dolls, to transfer their impurities and misfortunes onto the doll.
The process is simple:
- Write your name on the Hitogata.
- Blow on it or rub it against your body to transfer any impurities.
- The shrine priest performs a purification prayer.
- The Hitogata is then set afloat in water or burned to complete the purification.
Sounds interesting!
The Origins of Chinowa Kuguri
A key part of the Summer Purification (Nagoshi no Harae) is the Chinowa Kuguri, a ritual where people pass through a large ring made of chigaya grass. This practice is based on an ancient legend:
Once, there were two brothers, Somin Shorai (蘇民将来) and Kotan Shorai (巨旦将来). Somin Shorai was poor, while Kotan Shorai was wealthy.
One evening, Susanoo-no-Mikoto (スサノオノミコト), a powerful deity, traveled through their village and asked for shelter. Kotan Shorai, the rich brother, refused to help him, but Somin Shorai, despite his poverty, kindly welcomed him and offered him food.
In gratitude, Susanoo gave Somin Shorai a small grass ring (Chinowa) and told him to wear it for protection against illness and disasters.
Later, when a deadly plague spread through the land, only Somin Shorai and his family, who wore the Chinowa, survived. This myth led to the belief that passing through a Chinowa could purify people and protect them from misfortune.
Even today, many shrines in Japan set up large Chinowa rings during Nagoshi no Harae for visitors to walk through in a specific pattern to ensure purification.
Chinowa Kuguri in Nioh 2
The Chinowa ring also appears in the video game Nioh 2, an action RPG based on Japanese mythology.
In the game, players can encounter sacred Chinowa rings, This unique inclusion helps introduce players to the real-life cultural significance of the ritual while gaming.
Final Thoughts
Oharae is one of Japan’s most important purification ceremonies, helping people cleanse their minds and bodies from unseen misfortunes. The ritual of Chinowa Kuguri, based on the myth of Somin Shorai, continues to be practiced at shrines across Japan.
If you’re visiting a shrine in Japan, playing Nioh 2, or simply learning about Shinto traditions, understanding the meaning behind Oharae can deepen your appreciation for Japanese culture.
If you ever get the chance, why not try walking through a Chinowa and experiencing this ancient purification ritual for yourself?
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