What Is the Large Ring at Shinto Shrines in June?
The Large Ring at Shinto Shrines in June: “Chinowa Kuguri”
As June begins, large grass rings appear at Shinto shrines. Do you know what these large rings are? These rings are made of bundled chigaya grass and are used for the “Chinowa Kuguri” ritual. The ring’s diameter can be several meters. Chigaya is a grass that belongs to the Poaceae family, commonly found in sunny fields and mountains.
“Chinowa Kuguri” is one of the rituals in Shintoism. It is performed during the “Nagoshi no Oharae” (Great Purification of Summer) to cleanse the sins and impurities accumulated from January to June. Some shrines also perform “Chinowa Kuguri” during the “Toshikoshi no Harae” (Year-End Purification) in December. Akagi Shrine in Kagurazaka, Tokyo, also conducts “Chinowa Kuguri” in December.
How to Perform “Chinowa Kuguri”
Stand in front of the “Chinowa” ring and bow lightly, then pass through the ring and walk around to the left, returning to the starting point.
Bow lightly again, pass through the ring, and walk around to the right, returning to the starting point.
Bow lightly again, pass through the ring, and walk around to the left, returning to the starting point.
By passing through the ring a total of three times—left, right, left—proceed to the shrine for prayer.
The “Chinowa Kuguri” ritual is believed to cleanse the illnesses and impurities accumulated over the past six months, ensuring a safe and healthy second half of the year.
Foreign tourists visiting Japan in June might want to try the “Chinowa Kuguri.” It’s a way to cleanse the illnesses and impurities of the past six months and ensure safety until the end of the year.
There are also small “Chinowa” rings for pets. If you have pets, try performing the “Chinowa Kuguri” with them.
