Geshi - Japanese summer solstice
Photo from the website: https://www.kvg-kyoto.com/new-stories/nagoshi-no-harai
Unlike Europe or Scandinavia, the summer solstice is not widely celebrated in Japan, however:
This time is associated with seasonal changes, including in traditional medicine and food.
Some temples and shrines may perform purification rituals, especially in June (for example, the Nagoshi no Harae ritual - 夏越の祓).
People walk in circles of grass (茅の輪 - Chinowa) at temples to cleanse themselves of illness and misfortune.
This is to prepare for the summer heat and to cleanse the soul and body.
In some regions, the following is eaten on this day:
Chuka men (冷やし中華) - cold noodles.
Okra and soybeans, which symbolize strength and coolness.
Tako (octopus) is popular in Kyoto - octopus is believed to improve health and "attract" good luck.
Chinowa
A large ring of twisted hamao grass (ちがや / kogongrass) is installed at the entrance to the shrine
Diameter - up to 2 meters
How to perform the ritual:
The steps are as follows:
1. Turn to the chinowa and bow. Then start walking with your left foot and walk to the left to face the chinowa again
2. Turn to the chinowa again, bow, and begin to pass, but this time with your right foot. Then turn to the right and go around him to face him again.
3. Once again, facing the chinowa, bow and pass through him with your left foot first, as you did the first time. Turn to the left and face the chinowa one last time.
4. Bow to the ring again and walk straight through it (without turning left or right) with your left foot first. Now you can go and pray in the shrine.
Each time you pass through the ring has a special meaning.
The first time is for dispelling evil, the second is for purification, the third is for protection, and the last is for happiness.
So it's best to keep these thoughts in mind every time you go through it.
Making a miniature Chinowa (茅の輪 - Chinowa)
is not only beautiful, but also very symbolic, especially if you want to bring a little Japanese spirit of purification and harmony into your space.
How to make a miniature Chinowa - Japanese purification ring?
Size:
Diameter: 10 to 30 cm
Step-by-step guide...
1. Collect grass
Ideally - long, thin grass stalks
2. Make a rope
Take a bunch of grass and twist it into a knot, adding new stems as you go
Twist it into a spiral so it is strong but flexible
3. Make a ring
Bend the rope into a ring of the desired diameter
Secure the ends with thread or jute
4. Secure the shape
Tie the ring in three or four places to keep it in shape
Optional: Insert a wire or bamboo ring base inside
5. (optional)
Decorate
Small strips of white paper (shide — 紙垂) — zig-zag purification charms
Pendants or wish notes
Where to hang:
At the entrance to the house - "cleans" incoming energy
On the wall or window - as a symbol of protection and harmony
Initiation rite (mini version)
Even with a small ring, you can perform a home ritual:
1. Visualize yourself mentally passing through the ring 3 times
2. Say the phrase:
「身のけがれを祓い給え」
Mi no kegare wo harai tamae
(Cleanse my body from dirt)