Kegare

Definition

Kegare refers to the concept of impurity or contamination in Shinto, often associated with death, disease, and misfortune. This term highlights the importance of maintaining purity in rituals and daily life, connecting deeply to practices related to worship and the treatment of sacred spaces. Kegare is a key aspect of Shinto beliefs that emphasizes the need for purification rituals to restore harmony with the kami, or spirits, and reflects the broader indigenous Japanese beliefs about cleanliness and spiritual well-being.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Kegare is traditionally linked to events such as childbirth, death, and disease, which are viewed as sources of impurity.
2. Purification rituals like misogi and harae are performed to remove kegare and restore an individual’s or space’s spiritual purity.
3. In Shinto shrines, the presence of kegare necessitates careful practices to ensure that the shrine remains a pure space for kami worship.
4. Kegare is often contrasted with the concept of 'sei' or purity, which represents a state of being free from impurities.
5. The belief in kegare reflects broader cultural attitudes in Japan towards cleanliness and the avoidance of pollution in both spiritual and daily contexts.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of kegare influence purification rituals in Shinto?
  • Kegare directly influences purification rituals such as misogi and harae, which are essential in Shinto practice to cleanse individuals or spaces affected by impurity. These rituals serve as a means to remove the negative effects of kegare associated with events like death or illness. By participating in these purifying acts, practitioners aim to restore their connection with kami and maintain spiritual harmony.
• Discuss the significance of kegare in relation to Shinto shrines and their maintenance.
  • Kegare plays a critical role in how Shinto shrines are maintained and used for worship. Shrines must remain free from impurities to serve as proper venues for kami interaction. This necessitates regular purification practices by priests and visitors alike, ensuring that any sources of kegare are addressed before engaging in rituals. The careful management of purity within shrines reflects the deep respect for kami and the need for a harmonious relationship between humans and the divine.
• Evaluate how kegare reflects broader cultural attitudes towards purity and pollution in Japanese society.
  • Kegare encapsulates a fundamental aspect of Japanese culture regarding purity and pollution, influencing various social norms and practices. The association of kegare with death, illness, and misfortune underscores a cultural emphasis on cleanliness that permeates both spiritual life and daily activities. This mindset manifests in various ways, from strict hygiene practices to ritualistic purifications, highlighting how deeply ingrained these beliefs are in Japanese society and their ongoing relevance in contemporary life.

Related terms

misogi: A purification ritual in Shinto involving water, aimed at cleansing both physical and spiritual impurities.

harae: A Shinto purification ceremony that involves rituals to cleanse individuals or objects from kegare, restoring their purity.

kami: The spirits or deities in Shinto belief that inhabit natural elements and are central to worship and reverence.