Omiyamairi | Japanese Newborn Tradition

There are numerous events involving children at shrines in Japan.

There is the ‘Rite of Passage’ for seven, five and three-year-old kids (Shichi Go San), and the ‘Coming of Age’ ceremony (Seijinshiki) for soon-to-be adults.

There is also a variety of celebrations and festivals involving local shrines. However, there is one common practice that signifies an important part of a person’s life in Japan and resembles a first for it too which is the Hatsu Miyamairi.

Hatsu Miyamairi

The Hatsu Miyamairi or simply Omiyamairi is a baby's first shrine visit in Japan. Traditionally, Japanese babies are brought to the shrine about one month after birth. It's customary to do it 31 days after birth for baby boys and 33 days for baby girls. But these days, this traditional custom has become less strict and babies are brought to the shrines whenever the parents decide. The meaning of the Omiyamairi is for the newborn to receive blessings and to give thanks for the birth of the child. And also to pray for the baby to grow up healthy and well.

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