What is Hatsu-zekku (First Seasonal Festival)?

Hatsu-zekku, or the "First Seasonal Festival," is a significant event celebrating a baby's first seasonal festival.
While the Peach Festival and Children's Day are well-known, many may wonder, "What exactly do we do for Hatsu-zekku?"

Here, we will explain the meaning and origin of Hatsu-zekku, as well as the flow of celebrations and etiquette.

What kind of event is a Seasonal Festival?

Seasonal Festivals are traditional annual events in Japan where people pray for good health and ward off evil at seasonal turning points.

Originally, it is said to have originated from the Chinese Five Elements theory, where odd numbers were considered auspicious (good luck), but when they overlapped, it was considered inauspicious, leading to the practice of warding off evil spirits.

[Representative "Five Seasonal Festivals"]

・January 7: Jinjitsu no Sekku (Human Day Festival)
・March 3: Joshi no Sekku (Peach Festival)
・May 5: Tango no Sekku (Children's Day Festival)
・July 7: Tanabata no Sekku (Star Festival)
・September 9: Choyo no Sekku (Chrysanthemum Festival)

Each festival is characterized by celebrating with seasonal foods and customs.

Among them, Joshi no Sekku (Peach Festival) and Tango no Sekku (Children's Day Festival) remain strongly rooted as customs for wishing children's growth.

What is Hatsu-zekku? Reasons for Special Celebration

Hatsu-zekku refers to the first seasonal festival a baby celebrates after birth.

Among the annual seasonal festivals, Hatsu-zekku is considered a special celebration,
marking an important milestone to wish for the baby's healthy growth and happiness.

While regular seasonal festivals are increasingly celebrated simply with family, Hatsu-zekku retains a more formal significance, often involving:

・Inviting relatives and grandparents for the celebration
・Setting up decorations (Hina dolls/Gogatsu dolls) for the first time
・Also serving as an occasion to introduce the baby

and other similar practices.

When is Hatsu-zekku held?

The date for Hatsu-zekku varies by gender.

・Girls: March 3 (Peach Festival)

・Boys: May 5 (Tango no Sekku)

However, if the baby was born recently, it is common to hold it the following year without overexerting.
Prioritize the baby's and mother's health when making arrangements.

Flow of Hatsu-zekku Celebration

For Hatsu-zekku, families and relatives gather to celebrate the baby's growth.

The general flow is as follows:

1. Display decorations (Hina dolls, Gogatsu dolls, etc.)

2. Host a dinner party with relatives

3. Take commemorative photos

Recently, more families are utilizing restaurants or photo studios in addition to celebrating at home.

Seasonal Festival Dishes

A highlight of Hatsu-zekku is enjoying traditional celebratory dishes.

[For Girls (Peach Festival)]

・Chirashi-zushi
・Hina-arare
・Sakura mochi

[For Boys (Tango no Sekku)]

・Kashiwa mochi
・Chimaki

These dishes carry wishes for "health," "fertility," and more.

Hatsu-zekku Celebration Etiquette

It's common to give gifts for Hatsu-zekku.

・Grandparents: Often give money for purchasing decorations
・Relatives: ¥5,000 to ¥10,000
・Friends: ¥3,000 to ¥5,000

The guideline is to give gifts about two months before the festival.

Also, if you plan to give decorations, it's safe to confirm their preferences beforehand.

Return Gift (Uchiwai) Etiquette

If you receive a gift, remember to express your gratitude.

[Basic Return Gifts]

・Invite to a dinner party → No return gift needed
・Cannot invite → Send an Uchiiwai (return gift)

[Key Points for Uchiiwai]

Amount: 1/3 to 1/2 of the received amount

Timing: Within one month

Items: Sweets, catalog gifts, etc.

Adding a baby's photo or a message will make it even more appreciated.

Wishes in Hatsu-zekku

The roots of Hatsu-zekku lie in Chinese customs of warding off evil at seasonal transitions.
This tradition was introduced to Japan and has been passed down as an event to celebrate children's growth.

Hatsu-zekku embodies wishes for:

・Healthy growth
・Ward off evil and good health
・A happy future

These wishes are embedded in the celebration.

Hatsu-zekku is an important milestone, being the first significant event after a baby's birth.
It is a special occasion for families and those around them to celebrate growth and wish for the future.

It is most important to celebrate in a way that suits your family, without getting too caught up in formalities.

Hatsu-zekku is a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Please enjoy it with your entire family as a wonderful, memorable occasion.