Shinobu ORIKUCHI stated a theory that 'naorai' would refer to the ritual to worship the naobi no kami (god of purification) at the conclusion of a ceremony, as an apology for any offences committed during the ceremony.
折口信夫は、「なおらい」は直日神を祀る神事であり、神祭が終わった後に、直日神を祀って神祭での過ちを正すのだという説を唱えている。