禊 Misogi
Purification
For the Japanese of old, it was important to mark the distinction between ordinary life and the time one spent in the presence of the gods by purifying oneself.
That is why even now the Japanese wash their hands and rinse their mouths before entering a shine to pray.
The act of misoogi can also be seen in people pouring watering over themselves at country festivals, jumping into the cold ocean on New Year's Day, or standing under waterfalls in the mountains.
Such rituals are not just about cleaning the body-they also cleanse the Soul.
(Text:Soul of Japan)