In other words: it is not about cleaning for cleaning’s sake, it is much more serious and comprehensive, and it commits us emotionally in the same action. It is then about freeing the agenda, having the necessary cleaning products, and opening the windows to let in fresh air.
In short, the Oosouji is a deep cleaning ritual that the Japanese perform once a year, and that in addition to removing dust, germs and bacteria, understands that cleaning has a liberating power associated with new beginnings.
Many Japanese even date it and carry it out by December 28thlooking to start the new year “free from physical and mental burdens”. That implies discarding everything that no longer serves, clearing, cleaning.
RULES TO CARRY OUT THE OOSOUJI:
-It is important to take into account that probably a single day is not enough, that is why they recommend reserving an entire weekend, just as it is important to do it without interruptions and consciously.
-From up to down. Start cleaning from the top: cover ceilings, clean walls, clean furniture. Then sweep and mop.
-Follow the clockwise path when cleaning a room. Cleaning begins and ends at the same point, a way to close the circle and leave behind the old chaos or dirt.
-Save in boxes for those objects that are no longer useful. It is important to get rid of things that are no longer used.
-Use garbage bags. Having garbage bags in the room to dump out all that dirt in the room makes it easier to get rid of it once the cleaning is finished.
-Fix the home. Removing stains from armchairs, repairing furniture or replacing burned-out light bulbs or other appliances that don’t work is necessary. Malfunctions recall the past in a negative way and affect behavior.
-Every member of the family has to be involved. If you want to do a comprehensive cleaning of the entire home, all family members should participate in this activity. Each one of them must have decision-making power over their belongings and make for themselves the selection of the old to welcome the new.
-Pay debts and bills. The Oosouji also includes paying debts and bills to close everything that is pending.
Source: Ambito
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