Lingering Hydrangeas and the Summer Purification Rite

As June draws to a close and the rainy season nears its end, even the once-vibrant hydrangeas begin to fade. Their vivid blues and reds gradually soften, eventually taking on the dry, papery texture of a flower past its peak. And yet, in that withering beauty lies a quiet elegance—one that only time can bestow. It is a presence that gently seeps through, layered with the passage of days.

A single lingering hydrangea placed in the alcove, arranged with its head slightly bowed in a bamboo flower basket, transforms the atmosphere of the tearoom. No longer adorned in bright colors, it radiates a calm beauty that brings a quiet depth and stillness to the moment of tea.

On the last day of June, the ancient Shinto ritual of Nagoshi no Harae—the Great Summer Purification—is performed. By stepping through a ring of reeds (chinowa), people cleanse themselves of the impurities of the past six months and pray for good health in the months ahead. It is a time-honored tradition, carefully preserved through generations, marking the rhythms of the Japanese seasonal calendar.

On this day, a special Japanese sweet called Minazuki is enjoyed. It is a triangular block of uiro (a type of steamed rice cake) topped with sweet azuki beans. The triangular shape symbolizes ice, while the azuki beans are believed to ward off evil. In an age when ice was a luxury, this sweet was eaten as a stand-in, offering a sense of cooling and protection from the summer heat. With its smooth, moist texture and gentle sweetness, Minazuki brings a delicate sense of refreshment amidst the humid days of early summer.

In the world of tea, the spirit of harai—purification—is deeply intertwined. Cleansing the utensils, arranging the flowers, preparing the mizuya (the tea preparation area), and wiping the floor—each action not only welcomes the guest but also purifies the host’s own heart.

The fading hydrangea, the summer purification rite, and the sweet Minazuki—all speak of transition and cleansing. Like offering a quiet gesture of reverence to a flower that has passed its prime, we place one bloom in the alcove. And while savoring Minazuki in silence, a bowl of tea is shared. Even without words, a prayer for the coming summer gently lingers in the air.

Let us give thanks for having reached this point safely again this year. And may the months ahead be filled with health and peace. Into the quiet setting and the lingering bloom, we gently place our wishes.