Paris Sumo Tournament to Feature 200 Kilograms of Special Salt

This weekend, Paris will host a significant event in the world of sumo wrestling, showcasing an ancient sport deeply rooted in Japanese tradition. An unexpected highlight of the two-day tournament will be the 200 kilograms of custom Guerande salt sourced specifically for the occasion.

"It's an essential part of sumo wrestling. The tournament cannot take place without salt," stated David Rothschild, the event's chief organizer, in an interview with AFP. Salt holds a vital role in sumo, intertwined with rituals linked to Shinto beliefs where it is used to ward off malevolent spirits.

Before each match, wrestlers, known as rikishi, perform the ceremonial act of tossing a handful of salt onto the dohyo, the circular wrestling ring. This gesture is intended to purify the area and protect against injuries and misfortunes, which lends itself to one of the sport's most memorable images. During the matches, the clay surface is lightly covered with salt, which is periodically swept by the yobidashi, or announcers.

When contacted to provide the salt, Meredith and Gautier Ferard, producers from the French town of Le Croisic, were surprised by the unusual request. "It's true that it's not a very common request. But I thought to myself: 'Why not?'" Meredith remarked.

For this historic tournament, the Ferards received detailed requirements for the salt, including a specific color and a fine grain to ensure the comfort of the wrestlers. "The sodium chloride molecule, as it occurs in nature, is rather cubic in shape. And if they have soft skin with 200kg on top of it, that can hurt!" she explained. The fleur de sel was harvested and meticulously prepared to meet these needs.

Meredith noted that while it may seem unconventional for their salt to be used in sumo, it carries a sacred connotation in various cultures. "We have a space that has been shaped by human hands for 2,000 years, a product that is entirely natural, entirely handmade," she said, expressing hope that the wrestlers will appreciate the salt during their bouts.