Oharae

Oharae, also written Ōharae, is a Shinto purification rite in Japan, meaning Great Purification. It is designed to cleanse people and communities of impurities and sins believed to accumulate in daily life. The term combines harae, purification, with the honorific prefix o- and the word ō, meaning great.

The ritual is traditionally conducted by Shinto priests at shrines, and sometimes in public festival settings. The most common forms are Nagoshi no Ōharae (summer purification) and the year-end Ōharae; Nagoshi is typically held on June 30, while the year-end ceremony occurs around December 30 or 31, though dates vary by shrine.

During the ceremony, priests recite Norito (ritual prayers) and perform purification rites using ritual implements such as gohei (wooden wands with paper streamers) and salt or water sprinkling. In many shrines, participants or attendees may undergo purification, sometimes by passing through a gate or under a sacred feature, or by taking part in a communal purification rite.

Purpose: to remove impurities accumulated over the previous period and to ensure a clean start for the coming period. The Oharae is seen as purifying both individuals and the wider community, preparing the ground for future rites and seasonal or annual observances.

Modern practice: The Oharae remains an important element of Shinto tradition and is observed at many major shrines, though exact practices and dates vary. It is frequently referenced in shrine calendars and serves as a staple of summer and year-end observances in Shinto.

See also: Shinto purification, norito, misogi, harae, Nagoshi no Ōharae.