祓串 · はらいぐし · ritual

haraigushi

A wand used for ritual purification.

Definition

Haraigushi is a Shinto purification tool, typically a wooden or bamboo wand adorned with strips of paper or cloth, used in various purification rituals. It serves as a physical representation of the act of sweeping away impurities and is often used by priests during rites such as harae. The haraigushi is particularly important in ceremonies where spiritual cleansing is necessary, as it helps in the invocation of kami and the purification of the space or individuals involved in the ritual.

Etymology

The term 'haraigushi' combines 'harai' (祓), meaning 'to purify', and 'gushi' (串), which means 'stick' or 'wand'.