1.
purification ritual; exorcism; spiritual cleansing
A Shinto ritual performed by a priest to cleanse people, places, or objects of impurities, evil spirits, or bad luck. Commonly performed at shrines for various occasions.
Cultural note
お祓い is one of the most common Shinto rituals in Japan. People seek purification for a wide range of occasions: moving into a new house, buying a new car, starting a business, reaching an unlucky year (厄年), or after a period of misfortune.
Common collocations
- お祓いを受ける (to receive a purification)
- お祓いをしてもらう (to have a purification performed)
- お祓いに行く (to go for a purification)
Forms
The お prefix is standard and almost always used. The plain form 祓い exists but is less common in everyday speech.