物忌 · ものいみ · ritual

monoimi

State of ritual purity maintained by abstaining from certain activities.

Definition

Monoimi refers to a state of ritual cleanliness in Shinto maintained by abstaining from various activities, particularly during sacred periods. Individuals who observe monoimi for purification purposes refrain from specific actions, such as cutting hair, engaging in sexual relations, or coming into contact with death. This practice underscores the Shinto belief that engaging in particular activities can attract impurities, making it essential to maintain a ritually pure state when approaching kami or performing rituals.

Etymology

The term 'monoimi' combines 'mono' (物), meaning 'thing' or 'object', and 'imi' (忌), meaning 'taboo' or 'avoidance'.