Page "Sumo" Paragraph 40

In addition, the top two divisions add even more rituals.

Stepping out of the ring into their corners, each wrestler is given a ladleful of water, the chikara-mizu (" power water "), with which he rinses out his mouth ; and a paper tissue, the chikara-gami (" power paper "), to dry his lips.

Then both step back into the ring, squat facing each other, clap their hands, then spread them wide ( traditionally to show they have no weapons ).

Returning to their corners they each pick up a handful of salt which they toss onto the ring to purify it.