🌿Lead-In
At the end of June, shrines across Japan hold a traditional purification ceremony known as Nagoshi no Harae.
This year, I first walked through a Chinowa during a summer solstice gathering in Tenkawa. A few days later, while visiting a small shrine with a friend, I found another Chinowa prepared for the same seasonal tradition.
Held at the halfway point of the year, Nagoshi no Harae offers an opportunity to reflect on the past six months and welcome the second half of the year with renewed clarity.
As I learned more about the ritual, I came to appreciate not only its long history but also the quiet symbolism behind its simple practices.
⛩️ What is Nagoshi no Harae?
Nagoshi no Harae (夏越の祓) is a traditional Shinto purification ceremony held at the end of June, marking the halfway point of the year.
The ceremony is performed to pray for good health and well-being during the remaining months while symbolically removing impurities accumulated over the first half of the year.
Many shrines across Japan prepare a Chinowa—a large ring woven from sacred grass—for visitors to walk through as part of the ritual. Some shrines also offer Hitogata (paper figures), which are used in a separate purification practice.
A Chinowa prepared at Nomi Shrine for the Nagoshi no Harae ceremony
⭕ Walking Through the Chinowa
The Chinowa is a large ring made from cogon grass (chigaya), prepared especially for the Nagoshi no Harae ceremony.
Visitors traditionally walk through the ring in a figure-eight pattern before offering their prayers at the shrine. The act of passing through the Chinowa symbolizes purification and the hope of entering the second half of the year with renewed well-being.
The Chinowa at Nomi Shrine, prepared for visitors taking part in the summer purification ritual.
As there were no instructions beside the Chinowa at this small shrine, we checked the traditional route on our phones before quietly walking through the ring.
📜Hitogata — A Personal Purification Ritual
Many shrines also offer Hitogata (paper figures) as part of the Nagoshi no Harae ceremony.
A Hitogata represents the person making the prayer. After writing one’s name and age on the paper, it is offered to the shrine as part of the purification ritual.
For the past several years, I have had Hitogata sent to me from Omiwa Shrine by mail. My family and I complete the ritual at home before sending the paper figures back to the shrine.
This year, however, was different. As I was able to visit Tenkawa in person, I offered my own Hitogata there instead. Being able to offer my Hitogata in person made this year’s experience feel different from previous years.
An information sign explaining the Hitogata purification ritual at Tenkawa.
A closer look at a Hitogata used in the purification ritual.
🌞 A Summer Solstice Gathering in Tenkawa
During the summer solstice gathering in Tenkawa, participants also walked through a Chinowa.
As many people had gathered, we were asked to pass through the ring one at a time and simply continue walking forward.
After everyone had passed through, it was explained that by walking through the Chinowa, we had symbolically left the old behind and stepped into a new cycle.
During the talk that followed, one of the themes shared was that humanity had entered a new 26,000-year cycle. Passing through the Chinowa was presented as a symbolic step into this new cycle.
The Chinowa prepared for the summer solstice gathering in Tenkawa.
Participants passing through the Chinowa during the gathering.
Whether at a small shrine or during a summer solstice gathering, the simple act of walking through the Chinowa became a quiet reminder that every new cycle begins with a single step forward.
🔥Kaha’s Note
The summer solstice gathering in Tenkawa was a truly powerful experience.
The program included sound prayers, a Shinbutsu-shūgō fire ritual that brought together Shinto and Buddhist elements, messages from Elders and representatives from different parts of the world, and talks by people working in many different fields.
One of the themes presented in the event program was:
“The meeting of Indigenous wisdom and Japan’s sacred places, leading toward a new cycle for the Earth and a transformation into planetary consciousness.”
Being there, I felt that this was not only a ceremony, but a gathering that carried the energy of a new beginning.
It became a truly memorable summer solstice, and I left Tenkawa feeling deeply grateful for the experience and everything I received that day.
🌈 Explore More
If you enjoy stories about Japan’s seasonal traditions, sacred places, and quiet moments of spirit, please explore more at Rainbow Awakening.
コメント