also: やくはらい
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
exorcism; ceremonial cleansing from evil influence
General term for rituals that drive away bad luck or evil spirits, often performed at shrines or temples.
今年は神社で厄払いをしてもらった。
I had an exorcism performed at the shrine this year.
厄払いの儀式は古
The ritual of exorcism has been passed down since ancient times.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
door-to-door exorcism on New Year's Eve or Setsubun
A specific folk practice where performers visit homes to drive away evil in exchange for beans and money, traditionally done on the night of New Year's Eve or Setsubun.
See also: 節分
節分の夜に厄払いが家々を回る風習があった。
There was a custom of door-to-door exorcists visiting houses on Setsubun night.