2023 Shichi-Go-San Children's Blessing

Dear Members and Friends,

We would like to invite you to our Jizo Matsuri and Shichi-Go-San celebration services for children.  These special services are for children ages 7, 5, and 3 years old.
JIZO MATSURI & SHICHI-GO-SAN CELEBRATION SERVICE
地蔵まつり並びに七五三子供まつり
Sunday, November 19, 2023 – NEW DATE
Service Begins 9am
Picture Taking & Light Lunch 10:30am

During this service, we especially pray to Kobo Daishi and to Jizo Bosatsu for their continuous guidance of our children’s growth, protection, education, happiness, and good health.  Jizo Bosatsu is the patron deity of children, travelers, and all those who are vulnerable.  We begin the service in front of the Jizo enshrined in the temple courtyard.

The celebration of the Shichi-Go-San originated many centuries ago in Japan as the ceremony for children when they become self-conscious and aware of life.

• At age 7 for girls, it is called the time of “obi musubi” (the tying of the obi sash).  The soft type of obi sash worn since the age of three, is replaced with the larger and firmer obi.
• ​​​For boys, the age of 5 is the celebration called “hakamasuke”.  This is the first time since birth he is allowed to wear the hakama pants and kimono like an adult man.
• For the 3 year old boys and girls the celebration is called “himonaoshi” which is when the child passes the stage of drinking milk from a bottle and the baby bib is no longer used.  Himo naoshi means instead of using the himo (strings) to tie the child’s kimono together, the himo (strings) are replaced with the soft type of obi sash.

 
The traditional attire would be kimono for girls and the kimono/hakama for boys. For a donation of $100, Koboji’s Minnyo Kai (Dance Group) will dress participants in traditional kimono attire. However, regular aloha casual attire is also acceptable. Pictures are welcome in the temple hall with children and families making this a special moment to treasure.​

You do not have to be a temple member to participate in this service, but your registration is kindly requested by Friday, October 13, 2023.

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