Today we went to Ikutama Jinja for Shinryu's "Omiyamairi" (お宮参り), which means "first shrine visit." He is just over a month old (41 days). Traditionally we would have taken him on his 31st day (32nd for girls) but that tradition has waned with the business of modern schedules. And today was a national holiday here in Japan (Labour Day) so it was convenient for the family to get together. We went over to the shrine about 1pm, signed up, waited briefly (no reservations) and then we were ushered into the main part of the shrine.
The priest met the baby and painted and "大" on Shinryu's forehead. Apparently this is a tradition only in Kansai. 大 means "big" and the hope is that he will grow up strong and healthy into a big man. Shinryu, the center of attention throughout the day (and most days, to be honest) slept right through the whole thing. He even slept through the chanting, the ear-piercingly high-pitched Japanese flute, and the shaky bells used in the ceremony! Yet if i cough when we are putting him to bed, he awakes.
After the ceremony, we came back to our place and had some cake and a small gift exchange between the grandparents. Shinryu was mostly quiet and when he awoke he was just hungry. Overall it was a really nice day.
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