Calendar
Detailed information is supplied for the rites in blue.
November
- 3rd
- Meiji-sai (Meiji Emperor's Birthday) 明治祭
- 8th
- Hitaki-sai (Harvest thanksgiving) 丸山稲荷社火焚祭
- 15th
- Shichigosan-kisei-sai (Children's Feast (ages 7, 5, 3)) 七五三祈請祭
The feast for children aged 7, 5 and 3 is observed on 15th November. Parents take five-year-old boys and seven- or three-year-old girls to the local shrine to pray for their safe and healthy future. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is also crowded with many families wearing traditional costume for the celebrations.
Originally there were multiple separate celebratations. The celebration for three year olds was called Kamioki (髪置), because this was when children started growing their hair. The celebration of five year olds was called Hakamagi (袴着), the ritual of wearing a hakama for the first time. The celebration for seven years old was called Obitoki (帯解), a separate ritual of replacing the narrow belt of a child's kimono with the much wider belt.
Prayers of parents for their children have never changed. We also pray for the children’s safety and health and a happy and fulfilled future.
- 23rd
- Niiname-sai (First Fruits) 新嘗祭
At Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, local farmers dedicate the first fruits of their harvest, including rice, vegetables and fruits. On this day, we pray for lasting national prosperity, and express our gratitude for the bountiful harvest.
