Japanese rituals, especially those focused on order, cleanliness, and purification, have become an exotic and highly acclaimed liturgy in the West. One of the most popular is Oosouji (Ōsōji), "the great cleaning of the year," the ancient Japanese system of physical and spiritual purification that welcomes the new year.
Purification, a concept deeply rooted in various ancient cultures that elevate the sacred element - water - as a tool to free us from burdens, negative energies, and thus achieve enlightenment. And indeed, nothing makes us feel better than a good old-fashioned bath, putting full intention into the process, to cleanse not only the skin but also stagnant emotions and feelings.
The Oosouji method aims to cleanse past burdens to enter the new year feeling light and purified. Although it focuses on cleaning the home to get rid of useless clutter and remove dirt so that energy can circulate again through every corner, this technique is equally applicable to the physical and energetic body, to let go of what no longer serves us and attract abundance for the new year ahead. What better New Year's Eve ritual?
The purification ritual that also elevates the senses
Some people light candles and burn wishes. This year, we propose immersing yourself in water with the most purifying and skin-ecosystem-friendly active ingredients to shed burdens and attract good energy for the coming year. Where to start? With an expert-level facial cleansing with Charcoal Peace Calming Cleanser. Its name says it all: peace for the most congested skin and all those who want to release stubborn impurities.
Because this deep and sensorial cleansing ritual, with kaolin clay and activated charcoal of plant origin, tenacious with any hint of embedded dirt, and vegetable oils that nourish and enhance luminosity, is also a gift for the senses due to its magical texture (gel-to-oil-to-milk).
Once in the shower, massage the botanical cleanser Antioxidant Burst Shower Gel all over your body. Thanks to its potent antioxidants, skin-identical pH, and natural moisturizing agents, this gel cleanses, soothes, and restores a healthy glow to the skin. As if that weren't enough, it contains mallow flower distillate. According to ancient esoteric beliefs, mallow was the "path-opening" flower; its vibration helps us flow with life and smooth the path. What better wish for a new year?
Cinnamon, turmeric, and argan, the new essences of good fortune
After purifying skin and senses, there's nothing better than sealing the cleansing process with a good dose of nourishment. Reverent Antioxidant Dry Body Oil, is a dry-touch body oil that promotes lymphatic drainage and improves circulation. Perfect for freeing tissues from their impure burden. It contains essential oils of turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger. A New Year's feast that revitalizes, gets rid of excess, and opens new paths to health and well-being.
The final step is signed by Rewarding Body Balm, Twelve Beauty's most iconic body balm. A blend of botanical extracts, squalane, and vegetable oils, such as argan oil, the ultra-comforting and regenerating liquid gold capable of oxygenating the outermost cells of the epidermis. It's like that essential step to seal the skin and prevent anything bad from entering. To maintain its purity for longer. An act of homage to the most purist Oosouji. Happy 2022.