A baby's first ceremony, the shrine visit, is a big event for the mother as well.
What should you dress your baby for the shrine visit? We'll show you how to choose a dress and what to bring.
Omiya-mairi is an event to celebrate the birth of a baby and pray for its healthy growth. For the first time after a baby is born, the baby visits the local guardian deity (also known as the ujigami) of the land where the baby was born.
Shrine visit season
Officially, the time to go to the shrine for a baby boy is the 31st day, and the 32nd day for a baby girl.
Although there is an official date, you should avoid taking your baby outside during harsh weather such as midsummer or midwinter.
There is no set time limit for when the shrine visit must be held, so it is best to choose a day that is in good health for both the baby and mother.
There is no set time limit, but as a guideline, try to time the shrine visit up to three months after birth or before the 100-day celebration, so as not to cross over into different seasons.
Who will you visit the shrine with?
Officially, the baby, both parents, and the paternal grandmother attend the shrine visit, with the paternal grandmother usually holding the baby. Nowadays, celebrations are more flexible, so if the paternal grandmother is unable to attend, the maternal grandmother may hold the baby. Sometimes the grandparents from both sides accompany the baby, or sometimes just the parents and the baby attend the shrine visit.
Visiting a shrine
Visit the local shrine near where you live. You may simply visit the shrine, as you would at a regular shrine, but you may also apply for a shrine visit and have a prayer offered. Once you have decided on the shrine you plan to visit, find out whether you need to make a reservation in advance.