Brand new, unused Oharae Doll, set of 3 These are human-shaped paper dolls (hitogata) used in the Oharae purification ritual. You write your name and age on the paper doll, breathe on it, and it is used in a ritual to transfer impurities (kegare) and act as a substitute for yourself, to be released. ● What is Oharae? "Oharae" is a Shinto ritual to purify and cleanse the mind and body by removing "kegare" (impurities) and "tsumi" (sins) that accumulate in daily life. In Japan, it has been a widely established annual event, held on the last day of June and December since ancient times. #Hitogata #Hitogata #Doll #Oharae #Shrine #Temple #Shingu (Shinto implements) #Purification #Burning #Mishiro (Substitute) #Purification