About this event
Held annually on December 1, the Susuharai Shinto ritual is the opening event for welcoming the New Year at Kashima Jingu. In this ritual, Shinto priests and shrine maidens hold long bamboo poles known as "osusu-dake" and make rounds through the main sanctuary, shrine buildings, and the romon gate to sweep and purify away the dust and soot accumulated throughout the year. With this ritual, preparations for welcoming the New Year begin in earnest at Kashima Jingu. The sight of purifying the solemn romon gate brings a refreshing feeling to worshippers as well, as if cleansing the impurities of the entire year. This ceremony is a traditional Shinto ritual praying that the coming new year will be a prosperous and good year for everyone.
Source website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Kashima Jingu Shrine
2306-1 Kyuchu, Kashima, Ibaraki 314-0031
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