noun
thinly cut hemp or paper mixed with rice (scattered as an offering to the gods)
Archaic Shinto ritual term. Refers to small pieces of hemp or paper mixed with rice grains, scattered during purification or offering ceremonies. Not used in modern everyday language.
古い神事では、切麻をまいて場を清めたという。
In ancient Shinto rituals, they are said to have scattered kirinusa to purify the area.
Compound of 切り (kiri, 'cutting') + 麻 (nusa, 'hemp' or 'paper offering'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the term is preserved in descriptions of archaic Shinto practices.