In Tokyo, dozens of worshippers took part in a traditional cleansing of the soul through immersion in icy water, which has become part of the New Year celebrations. The event named “Kanchyu Misodzi” gathered about 100 participants – mostly men in white linen belts and a few women in white garments – at the Teppuzu Inari Shrine.
New Year in Japan: Bathing in icy water and purification
In the temple courtyard, drum and flute music echoed, and a knee-deep pool filled with ice blocks awaited the participants.
Worshippers, with arms crossed over their chests, repeated the Harai-no-Okami ritual, addressing the goddess of purification and focusing on freeing themselves from past sins.
After the immersion they ran around the temple, warmed up before the ice plunge and completed the rite by fully immersing themselves.
After the immersion, participants washed themselves with water from a wooden bucket, shouting “ai” and sustaining the spirit of the communal action amid applause from others.
This year’s festivities are already the 71st time at this temple.
Purification is regarded as a key element of ancient Shinto practice: it is believed to drive away evil spirits and allow starting the year with a clean slate. Shinto asserts that sacred spirits reside in nature and in all living things, so purification has an important role in daily life and ritual practices.
The country operates a constitutional monarchy led by the 65-year-old Emperor Naruhito, whose role in Shinto is considered the highest, though the emperor’s powers are limited by the constitution. Initially the ritual was conceived as purification for a local deity, but over time the shrine opened its doors to public participation upon prior submission.
This year, registration to participate closed earlier due to high interest, organizers said. The broad New Year cycle in Shinto – Shogatsu – begins on January 1 according to the Gregorian calendar and runs through January 3. The celebration blends ancient Shinto rites with modern Japanese culture and includes traditions such as Hatsumode – the first visit of the year to a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple with wishes for luck and good health.
These traditions help the Japanese start the year with spiritual purity, faith in health and success, combining ancient rituals with the country’s modern culture.
AloJapan.com