1.
ritual burning of old charms, talismans, and sacred objects
A Shinto or Buddhist rite in which old お札, お守り, and other sacred objects are respectfully burned at a shrine or temple, returning them to the gods. It is held so that items containing spiritual power are not simply thrown away.
From the verb 焚く (to burn, to kindle) with the honorific お prefix. Frequently used with する: お焚き上げする, お焚き上げしてもらう.
Cultural note
- Most common in early January, when New Year's decorations and the previous year's お守り are burned
- The well-known fire festival どんど焼き is one form of お焚き上げ
- Reflects the belief that sacred objects should be returned to the divine, not discarded as ordinary trash