Making the Shichi-ya a memorable memory that will stay with you forever — Ideas for preserving your baby's "firsts" in a tangible form —
The Shichi-ya is an irreplaceable day when the family celebrates the birth of a baby.
By keeping these special moments in photographs and other records, you can look back on them with fond memories for years to come.
Here are some ideas and ways to commemorate the Shichi-ya. Why not add a touch of color to the first milestone in your baby's life?
1. Ideas for "displaying and preserving" the naming book
The naming book is the main attraction of the Shichi-ya ceremony. With just a little effort in how it is displayed and designed, it can become much more special.
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Traditional Japanese paper and calligraphy : simple and elegant. For use on a Shinto altar or tokonoma alcove.
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Frame it for a modern look : Wooden frames and acrylic frames that match natural interiors are also popular.
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Order a custom naming card : Naming cards with photos and illustrations are now available that can be displayed like art.
*After the Shichi-ya ceremony, you can display it in your room as a memento or store it in an album.
2. Photo Ideas
Photographs are an important record that allow you to see your baby's growth with your own eyes. Photographs are also indispensable as memories of the Shichi-ya.
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With the naming book : Take a photo of your baby next to the naming book. Use soft fabric or a wooden background for a natural look.
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With the whole family : Together with mom, dad, and siblings. You can leave a tangible memory of the day your family grew.
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Celebrate with matching outfits : Match the colors of your clothes or incorporate seasonal motifs.
Recently, more and more families are enjoying easy, "mini studio-style" photo shoots at home.
3. Proof of growth through handprint and footprint art
A newborn's tiny hands and feet. "Handprint and footprint art" allows you to preserve their cuteness in a tangible form.
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Stamp type on paper : Easy to make using safe ink.
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3D relief and clay kits : Recommended for those who want to leave something special. Also great as interior decoration.
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Include a name and date : Add naming information along with the handprints and footprints to create a wonderful keepsake.
It can also be a warm moment for the family to reminisce and remember how small they were.
4. Leave a congratulatory message or letter
It's also a wonderful custom to write a message card or letter for the baby on the seventh night.
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"Thank you for being born on this day."
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"I put this wish into your name"
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"I'll never forget the feeling I had the first time I held him."
You may also want to keep it in a safe place so that your child can read it again in the future when they grow up.
5. Organize your photos into albums or memory boxes
An increasing number of families are starting to keep "baby albums" or "memory boxes" to record their baby's growth, using the occasion as a starting point.
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Store baby names, photos, footprints, message cards, celebratory chopsticks, etc. together
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Record monthly anniversaries and firsts
When you look back on it later, it will become an irreplaceable treasure that you will look back on and think, "This was the day it all began."
■ Conclusion
Small keepsakes become family treasures
With just a little bit of effort, you can make the Shichi-ya celebration a special day.
Whatever the form, preserving the time you spend with your baby as a family as tangible memories will provide warm support for your days to come.