hemp stalk; hemp reed
Refers to the dried stalk of the hemp plant, often used in traditional crafts or as a material.
During Obon, we burn hemp stalks to welcome our ancestors.
麻 (あさ) refers to the hemp plant itself or its fiber, while 麻幹 (おがら) specifically means the dried stalk.
Standard kanji spelling for hemp stalk.
Alternate kanji form, less common.
The reading comes from 麻殻, comprising 麻 “hemp” and 殻 “husk or stalk,” with sequential voicing of から to がら. 麻幹 is an alternative spelling referring to the same stripped hemp stalk.