If you’ve ever attended a Japanese funeral or seen it depicted in films, you might have noticed something curious: before stepping back into the house, people sprinkle salt on themselves. It’s a simple act—but one filled with centuries of cultural and spiritual meaning.
A Tradition Rooted in Purification
In Japan, salt isn’t just a seasoning—it’s a powerful symbol of purification. This belief comes from Shintoism, Japan’s indigenous religion, which emphasizes purity and the removal of spiritual impurities known as kegare (穢れ).
Funerals, by their nature, are associated with death, and death in Shinto belief is considered impure. To avoid bringing this impurity home, people perform a purification ritual using salt (shio) before entering their house.
The Meaning Behind Throwing Salt
The act itself is simple: after returning from a funeral, a small packet of salt—often given by the funeral host—is sprinkled over one’s body, usually on the shoulders or near the entrance. This gesture symbolizes cleansing oneself of the spiritual residue of death and restoring balance before re-entering everyday life.
In some families, the salt is also scattered outside the front door to protect the home from negative energy.
Connection to Shinto and Buddhist Practices
While Japan’s funerals are largely Buddhist in structure, many of its customs—like salt purification—come from Shinto tradition. This blend of Buddhism and Shintoism is a hallmark of Japanese spirituality, where rituals from both coexist harmoniously.
In Shinto shrines, for instance, salt is often placed in small piles near entrances (morijio, 盛り塩) to purify the space and welcome good spirits. The same concept applies at funerals: salt protects the living from spiritual pollution associated with death.
Modern Interpretations
Even though modern Japanese society is less religiously strict than in the past, the salt ritual remains deeply ingrained in culture. Many people may not actively think about its religious significance—they do it out of respect for tradition and a desire to “stay clean” spiritually.
In some urban areas, funeral homes even hand out small packets of salt called otoshio (お清めの塩) so guests can perform the ritual properly before going home.
Why This Custom Still Matters
At its core, the salt ritual reflects a fundamental aspect of Japanese culture: the pursuit of harmony and purity. Whether it’s through cleansing rituals, seasonal festivals, or daily habits, the Japanese approach to spirituality emphasizes balance between the physical and spiritual worlds.
Throwing salt after a funeral is a small but powerful reminder of this philosophy—showing that purification isn’t just about the body, but also about protecting one’s inner peace.
