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The Ōharae-shiki (大祓式) is one of the Shinto purification rituals known as harae and is sometimes translated as "Great Purification". It is also known as the Nakatomi no harae (中臣の祓). The Ōharae no Kotoba prayer is recited during the ritual.

The ritual is performed biannually on June 30 and December 30 at several shrines, but also as necessary, such as after an offense is committed, at the Daijosai, or when an unmarried prince or princess departs the imperial palace to visit Ise Shrine or the Kamo Shrines. The December 30 ritual is sometimes held on New Year's Eve.

History

The primary theory is that the Ōharae-shiki began at the end of the seventh century. It evolved over time, especially through the fifteenth century. These changes were linked to modifications to the Ritsuryō system, a set of laws and rules, in the eighth century.

The Ōharae-shiki changed again in the Edo period (1603–1868), and some previous aspects were reestablished during the Meiji period (1868–1912).

Purification became more important to prepare for this ritual and Yoori [ja] became more prominent in the Meiji restoration.

Minazuki-barae

Though the Ōharae-shiki conducted in June is sometimes confused with the Minazuki-barae (水無月祓)—another purification rite that takes place at that time in the imperial court—they are conducted separately.

Notelist

1. ^ This is an example name. There are three such festivals per year that celebrate the three most recent former emperors after the most recent former emperor.
2. This is an example name. The name changes as it celebrates the mother of the previous emperor.

References

1. ^ Namiki, Kazuko. "Ōharae". Kokugakuin University Encyclopedia of Shinto. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
2. "Nagoshi no Oharae Purification Ritual". Kamo Wakeikazuchi Jinja Shrine (Kamigamo Jinja) (in Japanese). Retrieved 5 June 2023.
3. Meador, Spencer (4 July 2017). "Oharae". Sanpai Japan. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
4. ^ Hardacre, Helen (11 November 2016). Shinto: A History (Illustrated ed.). New York (N.Y.): Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-062171-1.
5. "Shiwasu Oharae-shiki (Great Purification Ceremony in December) | Samukawa-jinja Shrine". Samukawa-jinja Shrine Official Website. Retrieved 5 June 2023.

• Japanese Imperial Rituals
• Festivals in Japan
• Exorcism in Shinto
• Ritual purification