形かた代しろ

noun

representation of a sacred object; substitute effigy

General term for a paper, cloth, or wood object that stands in for a sacred item or person in Shinto rituals.

• 神じん社じゃでは、紙かみで作つくった形かた代しろを川かわに流ながす行ぎょう事じがある。

  At the shrine, there is a ceremony where paper effigies are floated down the river.

noun

paper doll for purification; hitogata

Specifically a human-shaped paper doll used in Shinto purification rites to transfer impurities from a person to the doll, which is then discarded or floated away.

• お祓はらいで、自じ分ぶんの穢けがれを形かた代しろに移うつして息いきを吹ふきかける。

  During the purification, you transfer your impurities to the paper doll and blow your breath on it.