One of the first milestones a baby experiences after it is born is "Oshichiya." This is an ancient Japanese celebration held on the seventh night after birth to celebrate the baby's safety and pray for its healthy growth.
The origin and meaning of Oshichi-ya
It is a custom that has continued since the Heian period, when medical care was underdeveloped and the life of a newborn baby was very fragile, so just making it through the first seven days safely was a great joy. Therefore, "Oshichi-ya" was considered an important milestone to express gratitude for the baby taking root in this world and to pray for the baby's healthy growth in the future.
Significance of the naming ceremony
The main event of the Shichi-ya festival is the naming ceremony. This is a ceremony in which the baby is given a name and the name is revealed to family and close friends. The baby's name is written on a naming book (naming tag) and displayed on a Shinto altar or tokonoma alcove. The naming book may also include the baby's date of birth, the parents' names, and in some cases, a wish.
The act of naming also carries the meaning of "by giving a name the child is accepted as a member of society," making it a very precious moment for the family.
Gathering at a celebratory meal
On this day, it is common for families to prepare a "celebratory meal" to celebrate the birth of a baby. Families often spend a lively time together eating auspicious dishes such as sea bream with head and tail, red rice, and soup.
Sometimes grandparents and other close relatives are invited, but in recent years, more and more families are celebrating quietly with just their immediate family, prioritizing the health of the newborn mother and child.
A memorable touch
Many families take photos of the baby together with the naming book to commemorate the Shichi-ya ceremony. It is also recommended to keep a commemorative photo or video as a wonderful memory to show your child when they grow up in the future.
Recently, a variety of items have appeared, such as stylish baby name cards, photo frames, and handprint art, and more and more people are enjoying Shichi-ya in their own free style.
Regional and household differences
Although it does not have any particular religious meaning, customs and forms vary depending on the region and the family, so if you ask your parents, you may hear stories like "This is how we did it at home." Such conversations will also be a time to deepen family bonds.
Have a unique Shichi-ya
The Shichi-ya ceremony, where everyone cherishes the life of a baby and welcomes its existence, is a warm and traditional Japanese event. Why not celebrate the beginning of a new life in a gentle way that is unique to your family, without getting too caught up in the formalities?
