As well as passing through chinowa, in some areas people would purify themselves against disease by transferring 'impurities' onto a proxy that was floated away on a river or the sea.

There are records of domestic animals also being included in these (often entertaining) rites!

#summerpurification #summer

Nagoshi-no-harae (夏越の祓) first appeared in the Nara period, 1 of 2 purification ceremonies performed each year by shrines and at the imperial court.

The Ōnin War (1467-77) ended these traditions within the palace, and over time the 12th month purification slowly disappeared.

#summer #summerpurification #purification

Kotan's poor brother, Somin Shōrai (蘇民将来), overheard the conversation and offered his own bed to the stranger.

Years later Susanoo saved Somin's family from a plague ravaging the country, instructing them to wear rings of reed.
Those not wearing the rings were struck down!💀

#summerpurification #京都

The summer purification ritual 'chinowa-kuguri' (茅の輪くぐり) and the 'chimaki' amulets evolved from the same legend...both concerned with protecting oneself against disease and misfortune.

The giant rings and smaller amulets are created from miscanthus grass.

#Kyoto #京都 #Japan #夏越の祓 #summerpurification #nagoshinoharae #chinowa #茅の輪

How to use the chinowa-kuguri (茅の輪くぐり)👣...

🙇‍♂️1) bow

🔄2) pass through the ring and circle round to the left

🔃3) pass through and circle round to the right

🔄4) pass through and circle to the left again

⬆️5) pass through and proceed to the shrine to pray🙏

#Japan #茅の輪 #Kyoto #chinowa #summerpurification #purification #Hiranojinja #平野神社

The appearance of chinowa (茅の輪) herald 'Nagoshi-no-harae' (夏越の祓), a summer purification rite traditionally held on the last day of the 6th lunar month.

On June 30th many shrines, such as Kitano Tenmangū (北野天満宮), hold special services.

#Kyoto #京都 #Japan #夏越の祓 #summerpurification