70601-0019 - Miyamairi Ceremony

Group of people celebrating a miyamairi ceremony. One month after the birth of a child, it is taken to a shrine to express gratitude. It is comparable to baptism.

In the middle of the photograph, the mother can be seen holding the new-born. In front is a rope with inu no hariko (papier maché dogs) given by friends as good luck charms. The sign on the left advertises the Shinseido photography studio in Yokohama.

These days the miyamairi ceremony is officially held on the 31st day for boys and on the 32nd for girls, although usually these dates are not strictly kept.