In yudate, with reverence toward the holiness and magical power of water and fire, after purification by abstaining from eating meat, the conductor of the ritual boils water, presents it to the gods, and at the same time sprinkles it over the attending people to pray for rebirth and purification of life and good health.
湯立ちの風習は、水と火の神聖・呪性を重視し、精進潔斎を行って湯を沸かして神に献じて参列した人々も浴びることで生命の再生・浄化と息災を願うというものである。