Nagoshi No Harae
Celebrations season has just started at the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa. We can´t imagine a better way to welcome summer than taking you to Japan to commemorate Nagoshi No Harae. Are you coming with us?
Nagoshi No Harae is an ancient summer purification ritual held at Shinto shrines across Japan. Japanese people perform this ritual in the hope of atoning for sins that have been committed in the first half of the year. It also means a prayer for health during the second half of the year.
It was first established during the Nara period (710-794). Traditionally performed on the last day of the 6th month, currently it is held on Juned 30. Some shrines celebrate Nagoshi No Harae during the last week of June.
Participants in Nagoshi No Harae pass through a sacred grass wreath called chinowa, which symbolises purification in Japanese culture. The chinowa is placed on the entrance to the shrines. They also use paper human-shaped dolls called katashiro.
The most popular shrines to celebrate Nagoshi No Harae are located in Kyoto. The most famous one is Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. This shrine harbours the largest chinowa in Kyoto, which is approximately five meters in height.
The ceremony here is held on June 30, but the chinowa is placed on June 25.
During Nagoshi No Harae, seasonal sweet called minazuki is sold. This is a type of steamed cake topped with azuki beans.
Welcome summer at our 5 stars resort in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa. A magic atmosphere you will only find in Southeast Asia in the Mediterranean.
