Understanding Kegare: Japan’s Concept of Spiritual Impurity
When travelers first visit Japan, they are often struck by the country’s immaculate cleanliness. From the litter-free streets of Tokyo to the pristine grounds of ancient temples, cleanliness seems to be a national obsession. However, this dedication goes beyond mere hygiene; it is deeply rooted in the spiritual fabric of Shintoism. At the heart of this worldview lies the concept of Kegare (穢れ)—spiritual impurity or defilement.
To truly understand Japanese culture, shrine etiquette, and even modern social behaviors, one must delve into the delicate balance between purity (Kiyome) and impurity (Kegare).
The Origins of Kegare
The term Kegare is generally interpreted as a state of pollution or defilement. However, the etymology offers a more nuanced philosophical insight. Many folklorists and Shinto scholars suggest that the word derives from “Ke-kare,” where Ke represents spirit, energy, or life force (similar to the Chinese Qi), and Kare means to wither or dry up.
Therefore, Kegare is not necessarily a form of moral “sin” or “evil” in the Western religious sense. Instead, it is a state where the life force has withered, leaving the individual spiritually drained, stagnant, and separated from the divine energy of the Kami (gods).
In ancient Shinto belief, Kegare was viewed as contagious. Sources of impurity were typically associated with death, childbirth, menstruation, disease, and blood—processes that involved the stagnation or spilling of life fluids. Because the Kami detest filth and stagnation, avoiding Kegare and restoring purity through rituals became central to Japanese life.
The Legend: Izanagi and the Underworld
The most famous mythological explanation for Kegare and the necessity of purification comes from Japan’s oldest historical records.
According to the creation myth, the male creator god, Izanagi-no-Mikoto, descended into Yomi (the Land of the Dead) to retrieve his deceased wife, Izanami-no-Mikoto. In the darkness of the underworld, he lit a fire and was horrified to see her body rotting and covered in maggots. Ashamed and enraged, Izanami chased him out of the underworld.
After narrowly escaping, Izanagi felt consumed by the filth of death. To cleanse himself of this profound Kegare, he performed a ritual bath in a river. This act is known as Misogi (ritual purification by water). As he washed his face, the most significant deities in the Shinto pantheon were born, including Amaterasu (the Sun Goddess).
This legend establishes the foundational Shinto tenet: contact with death creates impurity, and water has the power to wash it away, restoring life and godliness.
Modern Culture and Rituals
While modern Japan is a high-tech society, the ancient fear of Kegare still influences contemporary customs, often subconsciously.
Salt and Purification
Salt is considered a powerful purifier in Shinto tradition. This is why you will see:
- Sumo Wrestling: Wrestlers throw salt into the ring before a match to purify the ground and drive away evil spirits.
- Funerals: Upon returning home from a funeral, attendees often sprinkle salt on themselves before entering their house to prevent bringing the “impurity of death” inside.
- Restaurants: Traditional establishments often place small piles of salt (Mori-shio) near the entrance to ward off bad energy and welcome customers.
The Separation of Shinto and Buddhism
Because Shinto deeply associates death with Kegare, it generally avoids dealing with the afterlife. This has led to a religious division of labor in Japan: Shinto is for life celebrations (births, weddings, coming of age), while Buddhism handles death (funerals and ancestral rites). It is incredibly rare to see a funeral held at a Shinto shrine because the presence of a corpse would defile the sacred ground of the Kami.
Traveler’s Tips: Navigating Purity
As a traveler, you don’t need to worry about being “impure” in a literal sense, but understanding Kegare helps you respect local etiquette, especially at shrines.
- The Temizuya (Water Pavilion): Before approaching the main hall of a shrine, you will see a basin with ladles. This is a simplified form of Misogi. You must wash your left hand, then your right, rinse your mouth, and wash the handle of the ladle. This ritually cleanses you of the dust and Kegare of the outside world before you commune with the Kami.
- Shoes Off: Removing shoes before entering homes, temples, or ryokans is not just about keeping floors clean; it is a symbolic separation of the “outside” (impurity) from the “inside” (sanctity).
- Sickness and Wounds: Historically, those with open wounds or illness were discouraged from entering shrines. While no one will check you today, it is a gesture of respect to maintain good hygiene when visiting sacred sites.
Sources & Further Reading
To deepen your understanding of Japanese mythology and the concepts of purity, the following classical texts and academic works are essential:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): The oldest extant chronicle in Japan (712 AD), detailing the myth of Izanagi and the origins of Misogi.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): The second-oldest book of classical Japanese history (720 AD), offering parallel myths to the Kojiki.
- Engishiki: A 10th-century book of laws and regulations that details ancient Shinto rituals and prayers (Norito) used for purification.
By recognizing the invisible boundaries of Kegare, you move from being a mere tourist to a culturally conscious traveler, seeing the spiritual intent behind Japan’s immaculate beauty.