We wish the rainy season would end soon.
Do you know “Nagoshi no Oharae” held at shrines on June 30?
Nagoshi no Oharae is an event to remove committed sins and stains and to pray for good health.
A hoop, made of kaya grass [plants of the sedge family],called “Chi no wa” is arrenged in shrines in Kyoto during the event.
Let us briefly explain about “Nagoshi no Oharae”.
Chinowa (a hoop made of kaya grass)
A large hoop made of kaya grass is arrenged near a torii and at a shrine precinct.
If you pass through the hoop, you may remove committed sins and stains and purify your mind and body.
We will show The method of chinowa-kuguri in the following.
(1)After bowing、pass through the hoop and turn left
(2)After bowing、pass through the hoop and turn right
(3)After bowing、pass through the hoop and turn left
(4)After bowing、pass through the hoop and worship at a shrine
The method of chinowa-kuguri is dependent on shrines, so if you try it, you follow the method.
The Japanese confectionery called “Minazuki”
In Kyoto, there is a habit of eating the Japanese confectionery called ‘Minazuki’ in the Nagoshi no harae.
Minazuki is a confectionery prepared by placing azuki beans on Uiro (a sort of sweetened steamed cake made of rice powder) and then cutting it into triangular shapes.
It is said that azuki beans on Minazuki have the meaning of warding off evil spirits.
You can buy it at Japanese confectionery shops in Kyoto in June.
If you visit Kyoto in June, please eat Minazuki with praying for state of perfect health.
We don’t feel like going out when it rains a lot during the rainy season,but you can enjoy fresh green leaves in the rain.
The tourist spot in Kyoto has been less crowded during the rainy season, so you can stroll leisurely around Kyoto.
