Birthday Prayer
Various ShintÅ rites of passage are observed in Japan. The first visit of a newborn baby to the tutelary kami, which occurs 30 to 100 days after birth, is to initiate the baby as a new adherent. The Shichi-go-san (Seven-Five-Three) festival on November 15 is the occasion for boys of five years and girls of three and seven years of age to visit the shrine to give thanks for kami’s protection and to pray for their healthy growth. January 15 is Adults’ Day. Youth in the village used to join the local young men’s association on this day.
History
Miyamairi (å®®å‚ã‚Š, literally "shrine visit") is a traditional Shinto rite of passage in Japan for newborns. Approximately one month after birth (31 days for boys and 33 days for girls,[1]) parents and grandparents bring the child to a Shinto shrine, to express gratitude to the deities for the birth of a baby and have a shrine priest pray for his or her health and happiness. The practice is not dissimilar to a Christian infant baptism.
The Prayer
Thank you, God, for giving me another year of life.
Thank you for all the people who remembered me today
by sending cards, and letters, gifts and good wishes.
Thank you for all the experience of this past year;
for times of success which will always be happy memories,
for times of failure which reminded me of my own weakness and of my need for you,
for times of joy when the sun was shining,
for times of sadness which drove me to you.
Forgive me
for the hours I wasted,
for the chances I failed to take,
for the opportunities I missed this past year.
Help me in the days ahead to make this the best year yet,
and through it to bring good credit to myself,
happiness and pride to my loved ones,
and joy to you. Amen.
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documentPeople who read this prayer also read
| Popularity | Prayers name | Prayers name |
|---|---|---|
| Birthday Prayer | Shinto | |
| Shinto Prayer for Peace | Shinto | |
| KITO (Special Prayers offered by the Shinto Priest) | Shinto | |
| Death Prayer | Shinto | |
| The Marriage Time Prayer | Shinto |