大祓詞 · おおはらえのことば · ritual

oharae-no-kotoba

The liturgy for the Great Purification ritual.

Definition

Oharae-no-kotoba is the traditional liturgical text recited during the Great Purification ceremony in Shinto, known as Oharae. This ritual is held to cleanse participants of any impurities accumulated over time. The text addresses the kami and petitions for their assistance in purification, invoking their presence during the rite. Oharae-no-kotoba emphasizes the importance of spiritual cleanliness and renewal within the community and is often recited collectively during major festivals.

Etymology

The term 'oharae-no-kotoba' stems from 'o' (大), meaning 'great', 'harae' (祓), meaning 'purification', and 'kotoba' (詞), meaning 'word' or 'phrase'.