Nagoshi no Harae (夏越の祓) and Chinowa-Kuguri (茅の輪くぐり)

Chinowa at Tsurumina Hachimangu

During this time of year, many Shinto shrines place a large ring, made from cogon grass, known as chinowa (茅の輪) used in a ceremony called nagoshi no harae (夏越の祓), which roughly translates to "summer purification rites."  Participants engage in a practice called chinowa-kuguri (茅の輪くぐり), where they pass under the chinowa in a specific sequence, as shown in the photo on the left:

1. First, bow in front of the chinowa, pass under it, and turn left.
2. Then approach the chinowa again, pass under it, and turn right.
3. Moving to the front of the chinowa again, pass under it, and turn left again.
4. Finally, pass under the chinowa once more and walk straight ahead.

Chinowa at Dairokuten Jinja

Tsurumine Hachimangu and Dairokuten Jinja in Chigasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, held their respective ceremonies today.  At Tsurumine Hachimangu, it is referred to as "Minatsuki no Oharae (水無月の大祓)," where Minatsuki or Minazuki (水無月) is the traditional Japanese name for June.

Minatsuki no Oharae at Tsurumina Hachimangu

Minatsuki no Oharae at Tsurumina Hachimangu

The chinowa is typically displayed for a while.  Visitors who come during this period can pass under to perform chinowa kuguri themselves.

Nagoshi no Harae at Dairokuten Jinja

Nagoshi no Harae at Dairokuten Jinja