晴れ/け · はれ/け · other

hare/ke

Sacred versus everyday state.

Definition

Hare/ke distinguishes between the sacred (hare) and the profane (ke) realms in Shinto. Situations, actions, or objects classified as hare are imbued with the divine and holiness, while those in the ke realm are regular and mundane. This duality informs rituals, festivals, and everyday life in Shinto practice, helping practitioners navigate their spiritual and physical worlds.

Etymology

The terms originate from the distinction in Shinto between divine purity and commonality.