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.
Ceremonial sand piles were placed at the entrance of the shrine.
During sumo tours, ceremonial sand piles are made in front of the lodging.
Standard kanji spelling.
Variant without okurigana; less common but still used.
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.