"We human beings can come together, protect and respect ourselves and one another for the betterment of our lives."
KENSINGTON, MD: The weekend of November 1 and 2, 2008 the International Shinto Foundation (ISF) held its annual children’s blessing ceremony called “Shichigosan” at the Ten Shin Ichi Ryu (TSIR) Japanese martial arts dojo located in Kensington, Maryland. All children from a variety of backgrounds participated in this joyous, colorful ceremony. Through this ceremony, parents offer gratitude for their children's healthy growth and safety and offer 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 second offering of the Shichigosan blessing by the ISF in the Washington DC area and was presided over by Rev. Nobuyo Otagaki.
The ISF is happy to extend this blessing annually to all children of the Washington, DC area -- regardless of nationality.
For more information about the ISF, please visit www.shinto.org.
The ISF also participates annually in the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
Slideshow from the 2007 ceremony.
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