Ethnic studies in recent years show an idea that 'Kegare (ケガレ)' is '気枯れ,' which is the state in whicht Ke and Hare (noticeably cheerful and formal situations or such places) disappeared, and Ke has to be recovered (remove Kegare, 'Ki o yomeru (気を良める)'=>Kiyomeru (clean)) by holding Hare ceremonies such as a festival.
近年の民俗学では、「ケガレ」を「気枯れ」すなわちケとハレがカレた状態とし、祭などのハレの儀式でケを回復する（ケガレをはらう、「気を良める」→清める）という考え方も示されている。