Nagoshi no Harae is a mid-summer purification ritual to rid oneself of ‘impurities’ accumulated during the first six months of the year. There are various means to accomplish this. One is passing through the symbolic wreath known as chinowa pictured above. This is done traditionally in a figure of eight form, so that one passes through the circle three times.
Another form of purification is a paper effigy known as hitogata. Thanks to Shinto Shrine of Shusse Inari in America, based in Los Angeles, people outside Japan are able to participate in this through mailing in their hitogata. It’s thought to be particularly important this year because of the heightened anxiety caused by the worldwide Corona crisis.
Applications to obtain the hitogata can be made through the shrine website, and a contribution is asked for. The actual service will take place on June 30th. Once you receive the hitogata, write your name and age on the front, wipe it on the body part one wishes to cleanse or improve, breathe upon it, and send it in. (Deadine for arrival is June 27.)
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