2013 Shichi-Go-San NEW

SHICHI-GO-SAN
Shichi-Go-San is a traditional rite of passage for girls of three (san) and seven (shichi) years and boys of three (san) and five (go) years old. The tradition is said to have originated in the Heian Period (794-1185) amongst the court nobles and over time, the tradition passed to the samurai class. By the Edo period (1603-1868), the rite was adopted amongst the commoners and included visiting a shrine or temple to offer prayers (long and healthy life) for the children.

The Shichi-Go-San service will be held on Sunday, November 13 at 1:30 p.m. At the service, prayers will be offered for the children and the fire ritual (goma) will be conducted.

Those who register for the prayer service will receive a talisman (omamori) and Chitose-ame ("thousand-year" candy). The registration fee is $30 per child. The deadline for the registration is November 6th. A applicants are encouraged to register early. Light refreshments will be provided after the service. Toyo Miyatake Studio will be at the Temple to take children and/or family portraits at prices starting at $70.00.

The application can be downloaded at Koyasan's website: www.koyasanbetsuin.org. Please contact the Temple (213-624-1267) if you have any questions or would like further information on the service.