Summer shrines are full of charm! Why not refresh your mind and body with the new custom of 'Natsumode'?
The New Year's 'Hatsumode' (first shrine visit of the year) is a familiar tradition for us, isn't it? But have you ever heard the term 'Natsumode' (summer shrine visit)?
In fact, over the past few years, a new custom called 'Natsumode,' where people visit shrines and temples in the summer—the halfway point of the year—has been spreading across the country.
In this article, I will introduce the charm and ways to enjoy 'Natsumode.' By the time you finish reading this, you will surely want to visit a nearby shrine yourself.
* What is Natsumode? Starting the second half of the year refreshed
Natsumode is a visit to a shrine to thank the gods for your safety over the past six months and to pray for continued peace in the coming six months.
At many shrines, a ritual called 'Nagoshi no Harae' (Summer Purification) is held on June 30th. This involves transferring one's sins and impurities onto a paper doll (hitogata) to be purified. Many shrines designate the period from July 1st to the end of August as the 'Natsumode' season, using this ritual as a turning point.
This custom began in 2014 when Asakusa Shrine in Tokyo proposed it, and it has now spread to shrines and temples all over Japan. While 'Hatsumode' celebrates the beginning of a new year on January 1st, 'Natsumode' can be considered an important opportunity to refresh your mindset at the 'beginning of the second half of the year.'
* Top 3 ways to enjoy Natsumode
During the Natsumode period, many shrines offer summer-themed features for visitors to enjoy.
1. Refresh your mind and body by passing through the Chinowa (grass ring)
The 'Chinowa' is set up for the Nagoshi no Harae. It is said that by passing through this large ring woven from cogon grass, you can purify your mind and body and escape from epidemics and disasters. It is often left in place during the Natsumode period, and if you pass through the ring using the unique ritual, you should be able to start your summer feeling refreshed.
2. Special summer-only Goshuin (shrine seals)
One of the great joys of Natsumode is the limited-edition Goshuin that can only be obtained during this time. The cool designs featuring summer motifs like morning glories, goldfish, fireworks, and wind chimes are all charming. Some shrines even offer colorful paper-cut Goshuin, making this a season that those who collect them cannot miss.
3. Scenery in the shrine grounds that invites coolness
Summer shrines are also places where you can feel 'coolness' with your eyes and ears.
* Wind chime path: Many wind chimes are decorated in the shrine grounds, playing a cool melody every time the wind blows.
* Hanachozu (flower water basin): Colorful hydrangeas and marbles are floated on the surface of the water in the purification pavilion, looking as beautiful as a jewelry box.
* Tanabata decorations: Writing wishes on strips of paper and tying them to bamboo branches makes for wonderful summer memories.
These beautiful scenes are all things you'll want to capture in photos. It's also recommended to visit with a camera in hand.
* Enjoy a new summer tradition
The Japanese summer continues with sweltering heat. Precisely because of that, why not wake up a little early and visit a quiet shrine in the morning?
In the summer shrine grounds, where the green of the trees deepens and the sound of cicadas echoes, quietly reflecting on the past six months and thinking about the next six months—such a peaceful time will surely bring a cool breeze to your heart.
Please check the 'Natsumode' information for a shrine near you and go pay a visit.
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