Sumo’s sacred salt – Taipei Times
Paris is hosting a sumo wrestling tournament next weekend utilizing 200 kilograms of customized Guerande salt. Chief organizer David Rothschild said the salt is essential for the event, acting as a purifying agent to ward off injuries and curses in accordance with Shinto traditions.
Why is salt used in sumo wrestling?
Salt serves a sacred purpose rooted in the Shinto religion. According to David Rothschild, the salt is used to purify the wrestling space and ward off trouble, including curses and injuries.
The ritual includes several elements. Rothschild stated that wrestlers clap their hands to call upon the gods and stamp their feet to drive away demons before the salt is thrown to cleanse the area.
How was the French salt customized for the rikishi?
Meredith and Gautier Ferard, producers in the coastal town of Le Croisic, supplied the salt based on precise specifications. The organizers requested a relatively white color and a very fine grain size.
Meredith Ferard explained that sodium chloride molecules are naturally cubic. A fine grain is necessary to prevent the salt from damaging the skin on the feet of rikishi, some of whom weigh 200 kilograms.
The fleur de sel was harvested last summer. It then underwent a process of storage, drying, dehumidifying, sieving, and hand-grinding to meet the tournament’s requirements.
What happens during the tournament rituals?
The competition takes place on a dohyo, which is a wrestling ring measuring 4.55 meters in diameter. Before each bout, rikishi throw a handful of salt onto the clay surface.
The ring is covered in a thin layer of salt during the matches. Yobidashi, the tournament announcers, sweep the surface periodically to maintain the ring.
What may happen next?
Because this is the first tournament of this kind in France in nearly three decades, the event could establish a precedent for using local French minerals in international martial arts exhibitions. The success of the customized Guerande salt may lead to further collaborations between Japanese sporting organizers and French artisanal producers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much salt is required for the Paris tournament?
Organizers ordered 200 kilograms of customized Guerande salt.
Who produced the salt for the event?
The salt was produced by Meredith and Gautier Ferard in Le Croisic.
What is the specific purpose of the salt in sumo?
According to David Rothschild, the salt is used to purify the space and ward off injuries and curses.
Do you think the use of local materials enhances the experience of international sporting traditions?