[Animals] The emotional reason why Japanese people dress their pets in kimonos and take them to the shrine

[FNX Magokiler]

The po[CENSORED]rity of dogs and cats in Japan has grown in recent years to the point that they began to be integrated into a traditional ceremony that was previously only performed for children. Hundreds of people traveled with their pets to the Zama Shrine southwest of Tokyo to pray for the health and life of their furry companions.

The pets wear kimonos (traditional Japanese dress) and accompany their owners to the sanctuary that dates back to the 6th century. The caretakers of the sacred place created a prayer space dedicated to this species, where pet owners kneel to pray for the health and happiness of their dogs and felines.

According to information from the Reuters agency, this traditional ceremony for children began to gain po[CENSORED]rity among pet owners in Japan, after the adoption rates of pet species began to grow, while birth rates decreased.

The meaning of the ritual

The Sichi-Go-San (Seven-Five-Three) rituals are traditionally held in mid-November so that children who reach those ages are blessed. Parents bring their children dressed in kimonos and take them to the Shinto place to pray for them.

Yoshinori Hiraga, priest of the Zama Sanctuary, commented in an interview with the news agency that every year people “spray” their love for dogs and cats, which is why they decided to open a space dedicated to animals.

 

 

“We want to offer pet owners a place in the Zama Sanctuary so they can thank the gods when their dogs and cats turn three, five and seven years old,” commented the priest. Hiraga estimated that this year around 120 pets visited the sanctuary this season and expects the number to increase in the coming years.

At the sacred place, several dogs, cats and children wearing kimonos were seen in different spaces of the temple, while their owners performed a special prayer. Natsuki Aoki, one of the visitors, took his two chihuahuas from Hiroshima to the southwest of Tokyo and was grateful that they accepted his furry companions.

“There aren't many sanctuaries that welcome pets and allow them in, so I think it would be great to see more places like this,” said the canine owner.

A celebration for the whole family

According to information from the Nippon portal, shichi-go-san is a celebration that includes the entire family. Parents dress their children in their best clothes and buy them a candy called chitose-ame (a candy whose name means “thousand-year candy”).

The snack is a pink and white candy bar that symbolizes the growth of children, the length of the candy represents the idea of longevity. The chitose-ame has a wrapper that is decorated with images that bring good luck.

 

https://www.infobae.com/mascotas/2023/11/29/la-emotiva-razon-por-la-que-los-japoneses-visten-a-sus-mascotas-con-kimonos-y-las-llevan-al-santuario/