What is Hatsu-zekku (First Festival)?

Hatsu-zekku is an important event, the first festival celebration for a newborn baby.
While Hinamatsuri (Doll's Festival) and Tango no Sekku (Boy's Day Festival) are well-known, many people might wonder, "What exactly do you do for Hatsu-zekku?"

Here, we'll explain the meaning and origin of Hatsu-zekku, as well as the celebration process and etiquette, in an easy-to-understand way.

What kind of event is Sekku?

Sekku (seasonal festivals) are traditional annual events in Japan where people pray for good health and ward off evil at the turning points of the seasons.

Originally, they are said to have originated from the Onmyodo (Yin and Yang philosophy) that came from China, where odd numbers were considered auspicious (yang), but when they overlapped, they were thought to be inauspicious, leading to rituals to ward off evil.

[The Five Major Sekku]

・January 7: Jinjitsu no Sekku
・March 3: Joshi no Sekku (Peach Festival)
・May 5: Tango no Sekku
・July 7: Tanabata no Sekku
・September 9: Choyo no Sekku

These festivals are characterized by celebrating with seasonal foods and customs.

Among them, Joshi no Sekku (Peach Festival) and Tango no Sekku remain strong customs as events to pray for children's growth.

What is Hatsu-zekku? Why is it celebrated specially?

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

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

While regular sekku are increasingly celebrated simply by the family, Hatsu-zekku still retains a more formal significance, involving:

・Inviting relatives and grandparents for the celebration
・Preparing decorations (Hina dolls/Gogatsu dolls) for the first time
・Serving as a baby's debut to family and friends

These aspects highlight its special nature.

When is Hatsu-zekku celebrated?

The date for Hatsu-zekku varies by gender.

・Girls: March 3 (Peach Festival)

・Boys: May 5 (Tango no Sekku)

However, if the baby is born shortly before the festival, it's common to celebrate it the following year without pushing oneself.
Prioritize the health of the baby and mother when deciding.

The Flow of Hatsu-zekku Celebrations

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

The typical flow is as follows:

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

2. Family dinner with relatives

3. Taking commemorative photos

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

Seasonal Festival Cuisine

A delightful aspect of Hatsu-zekku is enjoying traditional celebratory dishes.

[Girls (Peach Festival)]

・Chirashi Sushi
・Hina Arare
・Sakura Mochi

[Boys (Tango no Sekku)]

・Kashiwa Mochi
・Chimaki

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

Hatsu-zekku Celebration Etiquette

It is also common to give gifts for Hatsu-zekku.

・Grandparents: Often give money for the purchase of decorations
・Relatives: 5,000 yen to 10,000 yen
・Friends: 3,000 yen to 5,000 yen

It is a good idea to give the gift about two months before the festival.

Also, if you are giving decorations, it is safe to confirm their preferences beforehand.

Return Gifts (Uchiwai) Etiquette

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

[Basic Return Gifts]

・If invited to a dinner party → No return gift needed
・If unable to invite → Send an Uchiwai (return gift)

[Key Points for Uchiwai]

Approximate value: 1/3 to 1/2 of the amount received

Timing: Within 1 month

Items: Sweets, catalog gifts, etc.

Including a baby's photo and a message will be especially appreciated.

The Wishes Behind Hatsu-zekku

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

Hatsu-zekku embodies wishes for:

・Healthy growth
・Good health and protection from illness
・A happy future

These wishes are deeply embedded.

Hatsu-zekku is an important milestone, the first one after a baby's birth.
It's a special event where family and friends celebrate growth and wish for the future together.

It's most important not to get too caught up in formalities, but to celebrate in a way that suits your family, without overextending yourselves.

Hatsu-zekku happens only once in a lifetime.
Please enjoy it with your whole family, creating wonderful, lasting memories.