| Description | Salt basket from the 2025 Sumo Wrestling tournament
When a wrestler steps up onto the ring they grab handfuls of salt from this basket to scatter on the ring. This is a centuries old ritual rooted in the Shinto tradition that wards off evil spirits, purifies the ring as well as the wresters' minds and bodies. It is also a prayer for safety. The wrestling ring or dohyo is considered sacred and matches are viewed as offerings before the gods. Purifying the ring in this way is therefore essential.
Some wrestlers throw large amount of salt dramatically, signifying confidence and fighting sprit, whilst others sprinkle a small handful signifying calm readiness.
The baskets used to hold the salt are made by a single craftsman in Ibaraki Prefecture from moso bamboo, with fine braid for the body and thicker bamboo reinforcing the bottom. The rim is wrapped with a rattan strand for additional strength. During a tournament, some 40 to 50 kilograms of salt are used each day. |