noun
ritual bonfire; ceremonial burning of talismans and decorations
Shinto term for a bonfire, often held at temples or shrines, where old charms, talismans, New Year decorations, and other sacred items are respectfully burned.
正月明けに神社で焚き上げが行われた。
After New Year's, a ritual bonfire was held at the shrine.
古いお守りを焚き上げに出した。
I brought my old amulets to be ritually burned.
noun
ritual burning of offerings; goma fire offering
Refers to the act of burning offerings such as money, cedar sticks, or other objects as part of a religious ritual, similar to a goma (護摩) fire ceremony.
See also: 護摩 (ごま)
護摩の焚き上げで願い事を祈った。
I prayed for my wishes during the goma fire offering.
護摩 is a specific Buddhist fire ritual, while 焚き上げ is a broader term for ritual burning, often in Shinto contexts.
Compound of 焚き (taki, 'burning', continuative form of 焚く) and 上げ (age, 'raising', continuative form of 上げる). Literally 'burning and raising up', referring to the smoke and prayers rising to the gods.