noun
ceremonial sand piles
Traditional practice of placing two conical piles of sand at the entrance of a venue to welcome an honored guest, such as a high-ranking person or deity. Often seen at Shinto rituals, sumo events, or imperial visits.
神社の入り口に盛り砂が置かれていた。
Ceremonial sand piles were placed at the entrance of the shrine.
大相撲の巡業では、宿舎の前に盛り砂が作られる。
During sumo tours, ceremonial sand piles are made in front of the lodging.
Compound of 盛り (mori, 'piling up') + 砂 (suna, 'sand'). The exact historical origin of the custom is uncertain, but it is associated with purification and hospitality in Shinto and traditional Japanese ceremonies.