師走の大祓 · しわすのおおはらえ · ritual

Shiwasu-no-Ōharae

The purification held in the 12th lunar month.

Definition

Shiwasu-no-Ōharae is the Shinto Great Purification ceremony conducted in December, marking the end of the year. This important ritual serves to cleanse participants of impurities accumulated over the year and to prepare them spiritually for the new year ahead. Shiwasu-no-Ōharae entails various rites, including the recitation of oharae-no-kotoba, and is observed in many Shinto shrines across Japan. The festival highlights the Shinto belief in renewal and the importance of maintaining spiritual cleanliness.

Etymology

The term 'Shiwasu' (師走) refers to December in the lunar calendar, and 'Ōharae' (大祓) means 'great purification'.