Purify the impurities of the past half-year and reset your mind and body with "Nagoshi no Harae" and "Nagoshi Gohan"

"Nagoshi no Harae," held every year at the end of June, is
a traditional Japanese Shinto ritual performed on this day, which marks the halfway point of the year,
to purify the impurities of the mind and body that have accumulated over the past six months,
and to pray for good health and protection from illness.

This event is part of the "O-harae" (Great Purification),
which is divided into the "Nagoshi no Harae" in June and the "Toshikoshi no Harae" in December.

In particular, the Nagoshi no Harae is held at many shrines as a milestone
to help people healthily overcome the harsh summer season.

🌿 Chinowa Kuguri: A ritual to purify the mind and body

The Chinowa is a large ring several meters in diameter made of a grass called chigaya (cogon grass). You pass through it three times in a figure-eight pattern: left, right, then left.

The way to pass through is very simple.
First, bow once in front of the ring, then pass through it three times in a figure-eight pattern: left, right, and left again.

It is said that the power of purification is enhanced if you recite the prayer "Harae tamai, kiyome tamae, mamori tamae, sakiwae tamae" (Purify me, cleanse me, protect me, bless me) in your heart while passing through.

This ritual is often accompanied by the verse, "It is said that those who perform the Nagoshi no Harae in the month of Minazuki will extend their lives by a thousand years," and is believed to have the power to protect one from epidemics and disasters.

The origin of this ritual is based on the myth of Susanoo-no-Mikoto, and the teachings given to Somin Shorai are considered the origin of the Chinowa.

※ Rituals may vary by shrine. Please check with the specific shrine when you visit.

🪷 Hitogata Nagashi: A method of purification by transferring mental impurities to a paper doll and releasing it

Along with passing through the Chinowa, another symbolic event of the Nagoshi no Harae is
"Hitogata Nagashi" (releasing paper dolls).

You write your name on a paper doll, rub it against your body to transfer your impurities to it,
and then release the doll into a river or burn it with fire.
Through this, you purify the fatigue and misfortunes of the past six months and prepare to welcome new days in a purified state.

🍵 The connection between Nagoshi no Harae and "Minazuki": A traditional sweet for warding off evil

During this time, there is a custom of eating "Minazuki," a traditional Japanese sweet popular in Kyoto.
It consists of a triangular-cut piece of uiro (steamed rice cake) topped with adzuki beans, which are believed to have the power to ward off evil, and eating it expresses a wish for continued good health.

🍅 Improving physical condition with the new custom of "Nagoshi Gohan"

Recently, a new food culture called "Nagoshi Gohan" has been gaining attention since around 2015.

Focusing on summer vegetables, cold noodles, and light, refreshing dishes,
it aims to restore physical strength depleted by the heat.

Along with the Nagoshi no Harae ritual,
it is spreading as a new way to enjoy food that connects tradition with the modern day.

✦ Main ingredients and their meanings

🔹 Mixed grain rice: Based on the myth of Somin Shorai, grains such as "millet" are used as symbols of health.
🔹 Green ingredients (bitter melon, okra, edamame, etc.): Inspired by the Chinowa, symbolizing vitality.
🔹 Red ingredients (red bell pepper, carrot, shrimp, etc.): Symbols for warding off evil.
🔹 Condiments (grated daikon radish, ginger, etc.): Refresh the body and stimulate the appetite.

🥢 Recommended Nagoshi Gohan Recipes ✦

1️⃣ Cook multi-grain rice to prepare the base.
2️⃣ Make kakiage (tempura fritters) using green and red ingredients, and shape them into rounds.
3️⃣ Serve with a grated sauce (a mixture of grated daikon radish, soy sauce, and ginger juice) and it's ready!

You can also enjoy creative arrangements such as okra and minced tuna rice bowls, summer vegetable curry, or yukhoe-style rice dishes using eggplant.
All of these menu items are nutritionally balanced and perfect for managing your health during the summer.

🌟 The Spiritual Significance of Nagoshi no Harae

"Nagoshi no Harae" is not just a traditional event; it is also a symbolic ritual for purifying the energy of the past six months and making a fresh start.
Purifying and washing away the stress and impurities that have unknowingly accumulated in your mind and body, and feeling tranquility and light once again, serves as an opportunity to reset your soul and find hope for the future.

Purifying and washing away the stress and impurities that have unknowingly accumulated in your mind and body, and feeling tranquility and light once again, serves as an opportunity to reset your soul and find hope for the future.

🔷 Purification Work for Nagoshi no Harae You Can Do at Home

Even if you are too busy to visit a shrine, you can easily perform purification at home.

1️⃣ While taking deep breaths, visualize exhaling the heaviness and fatigue from your body.
2️⃣ Gently touch your body while chanting, "Harai tamae, kiyome tamae, mamori tamae, saiwai tamae" (Purify me, cleanse me, protect me, bless me).
3️⃣ Listen to purification music or the sounds of nature to quietly settle your inner self.

Nagoshi no Harae is a precious time to face yourself and appreciate your journey so far, while preparing to spend the next six months in good health.
Nagoshi no Harae is a precious time to face yourself and appreciate your journey so far, while preparing to spend the next six months in good health.

Please enjoy the Chinowa Kuguri (passing through the reed ring), the new custom of "Nagoshi Gohan," and the Japanese sweet "Minazuki" as you align your mind and body to welcome this season of summer light.

Maya Toyoka