November 10 - 11 : Shichigosan - Traditional Children's Blessing
KENSINGTON, MD: The weekend of November 10 and 11, 2007 the International Shinto Foundation (ISF) conducted its annual children’s blessing ceremony called “Shichigosan.” Many children from a variety of backgrounds joined in this joyous, colorful ceremony. Through this ceremony, parents offered gratitude for their children's healthy growth and safety and offered prayers for their future happiness.
Shichigosan, which means “7-5-3”, is an ancient tradition that dates back to the Heian period of Japan (794-1185). Every November in Japan, parents take their 3 and 5 year-old boys and 3 and 7 year-old girls, dressed in their best traditional Japanese kimono to local shrines to receive divine blessings. This charming event remains one of the happiest memories of childhood.
This was the first offering of the Shichigosan blessing by the ISF in the Washington DC area. The ceremony was presided over by Rev. Nobuyo Otagaki, with assistance by Reina Hayashibara (master of ceremonies) and Olivia Shintaku, Miko (shrine maiden). The event was held at the Ten Shin Ichi Ryu (TSIR) Japanese martial arts dojo located in Kensington, Maryland and was sanctioned by The Japan America Society (JAS).
The ISF is happy to extend this blessing to all children of the Washington, DC area -- regardless of nationality -- again next year.
For more information, please visit www.shinto.org. The ISF also participates annually in the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
See the slideshow from the ceremony.
Saturday, November 10
10:00am - 11:00am; and 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Sunday, November 11
10:00am - 11:00am; and 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ceremonies held at:
4013 Spruell Drive, Kensington MD 20895
for more information:
email the TSIR Office
or contact the
International Shinto Foundation New York Center
300 W. 55th St, 20B, NewYork, NY, 10019, USA
Tel:+1-212-686-9117
Fax : +1-212-686-7111
email the ISF
Previously with the ISF:
Shinto Open House
APRIL, WASHINGTON, DC: International Shinto Foundation Open House
Doshu Shintaku demonstrates Japanese sword and martial arts and their connection to Shinto in an "open house" sponsored by the International Shinto Foundation. The afternoon consisted of a purification ceremony by Shinto Priest Otagaki; Ikebana (flower arranging) performance, Shinto Spirit in Martial Arts by Doshu Shintaku and ended with a performance of the Japanese tea ceremony. The Shinto Open House was held at the Girl Scouts Council of the US - 4301 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington DC. more info and photo gallery »
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