Watanagashi

Watanagashi is a traditional Japanese festival observed on June 18th. The name literally translates to "cotton drifting" or "floating cotton." Historically, the festival involved floating cotton or paper dolls down a river. This act was believed to carry away impurities and evil spirits from the body and household. The belief was that by sending these symbolic objects down the stream, any misfortune or illness associated with them would also be carried away, allowing for a fresh start and good health.

The festival is often associated with summer and the arrival of the rainy season. While the exact origins are somewhat obscure, it is thought to have roots in ancient Shinto rituals. In some regions, families would also perform purification rituals and offer prayers at local shrines. Modern observances of Watanagashi are less common than they once were, and the practice has largely faded in many areas. However, in a few communities, remnants of the tradition persist, sometimes incorporated into larger summer festivals or religious ceremonies. The core idea of cleansing and renewal remains central to the spirit of Watanagashi.