Ōharae-shiki

The Ōharae-shiki (大祓式) is one of the Shinto purification rituals known as harae and is sometimes translated as "Great Purification".^[1] It is also known as the Nakatomi no harae (中臣の祓). The Ōharae no Kotoba prayer is recited during the ritual.

Ōharai on the last day of the year, at Daiichi-Torii-Nai-Haraedo, Naiku

The ritual is performed biannually on June 30^[2] and December 30^[3] at several shrines, but also as necessary, such as after an offense is committed, at the Daijosai, or when an unmarried prince or princess departs the imperial palace to visit Ise Shrine or the Kamo Shrines.^[1][4]: 7 The December 30 ritual is sometimes held on New Year's Eve.^[5]

History

The primary theory is that the Ōharae-shiki began at the end of the seventh century. It evolved over time, especially through the fifteenth century. These changes were linked to modifications to the Ritsuryō system, a set of laws and rules, in the eighth century.^[1]

The Ōharae-shiki changed again in the Edo period (1603–1868), and some previous aspects were reestablished during the Meiji period (1868–1912).^[1]

Purification became more important to prepare for this ritual and Yoori [ja] became more prominent in the Meiji restoration.^{[4]: 362 [clarification needed]}

Minazuki-barae

Though the Ōharae-shiki conducted in June is sometimes confused with the Minazuki-barae (水無月祓)—another purification rite that takes place at that time in the imperial court—they are conducted separately.^[1]