可愛い
Kawaii
Cute!
~
As I understand it, because of a high infant mortality rate in the past, in Japan, before the age of 3, a child is considered to be in another realm. Once they have survived 3 years they are welcomed into the realm of human existence on earth. They dress in kimonos and are given presents to wish them long life, health and good fortune.
Many of them go to the shrines and temples for special ceremonies to celebrate with their families and are often attended by very proud grandparents.
For boys there is another ceremony when they are 5 and girls when they are 7.
The kimonos are bought or hired for the occasion
And they try to walk in the ridiculously difficult special wooden sandals.
They seem very happy and proud to be photographed by anyone and everyone, 
little princes and princesses for the day.
Parting the crowds there were the occasional processions on their way to ceremonies in different parts of the shrine
All looking very important in their ornately embroidered robes
If I had had time to think, I would probably have written a prayer
and left my donation.
It all felt very busy and colourful and rather a lot to take in on the first day out and about in Tokyo.
Just a few shots of the architecture and a door carving and it was time to leave
…..Off to see some shopping streets – similar to Carnaby Street in London we were told ……………
Ravelry
Wild Daffodil 
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Thanks that you post this, it is so beautyful!
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My pleasure – so glad you enjoyed it!
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Wow. That’s really interesting. All of it. I love hearing about the root of traditions. And this 3-yr-old celebration is fascinating.
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They fascinate me too Sarah – so glad you are enjoying the journey.
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This is an amazing you are taking us on! I’m so moved by the ceremonies to celebrate not a child’s birth, but survival. The first years must be a tremendous mixture of joy and worry. Those little kimonos are such a bright and beautiful sight!
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Jen, your comment gives me a warm glow!! It is so great to have you along for the ride and it is wonderful for me to be able to share it with you. xx
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Learning lots of things I didn’t know about Japan. Thank you.
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So lovely to have you along for the journey – it enriches the holiday for me to be able to share it with you. xx
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Examination? Predictive text gone crazy! Should read post!
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I had to turn off my predictive text coz it drove ME crazy! It took me ages to realise that is was my browser ‘Safari’, rather than WordPress, that was doing it.
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Japan is somewhere I know nothing about so this examination fascinating
The children looked very pretty.
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So glad you are enjoying the trip Cathy – I knew virtually nothing as well – it was all so fascinating and inspiring.
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