水無月の大祓 · みなづきのおおはらえ · ritual

Minazuki-no-Ōharae

The Great Purification of the 6th lunar month.

Definition

Minazuki-no-Ōharae is a significant Shinto purification ritual held in the sixth month of the lunar calendar. This ceremony is intended to cleanse individuals and communities of impurities that may have accrued during the first half of the year. It involves recitations of the oharae-no-kotoba, offerings to kami, and various purification rites, emphasizing renewal and spiritual clarity. Minazuki-no-Ōharae reflects the cyclical nature of Shinto beliefs in purification and the importance of seasonal observances.

Etymology

The term 'Minazuki' (水無月) refers to the sixth month (July) in the lunar calendar and 'Ōharae' (大祓) means 'great purification'.