Have a look at photos of wildlife, festivals and travel sites here. Sharing tips for travelers with a twist of humor is part the life I enjoy in Okinawa, Japan. Photos and text Copyright © Michael Lynch. All photos contain traced digital watermarks. You may contact:http://www.ryukyulife.com/ for licensing.
Showing posts with label child. Show all posts
Showing posts with label child. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
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Friday, August 15, 2014
1st Birthday in Okinawa Japan
Little Sammy Goes Through the Ritual
This custom, in Okinawa, is something unique to the Ryukyu Island Chain.
It is a tradition, passed down through generations, more than likely, by word of mouth.
Researching the custom, to find the origins, has left me with very little documentation.
It is known as "Erabitori" -- Pick up and keep an item.
Read more at Blackcabbit's World
THIS JUST IN
There are other places, in Japan, where this ritual is practiced.
It is known as "Erabitori" -- Pick up and keep an item.
Read more at Blackcabbit's World
The best, I can do, is show you what takes place, with the digital cameras.
All of Sammy's Relatives from Near and Far Gather at the House
Fortunately, most of the guests allowed me some room for the tripod.
There were anywhere from 30-50 visitors who attended the celebration.
Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces, were just part of the crowd.
It was a good idea, to play around with the cameras ahead of time.
Some children are camera shy, especially when a foreigner points a camera their way.
The Big Event
Several items are placed on a tray and everyone watches to see which the one year old selects.
The order in which the child picks up each item has some significance.
It helps the family determine their child's future.
The mother, watches anxiously.
She will, probably record the day's events in some sort of diary.
Will her son be a scholar, artist, manual laborer, butcher, baker or, candlestick maker ?
Does the child place more significance on the food, money, soroban, pen or, paintbrush ?
As each item is selected, by the child, it is set aside.
The one year old will keep picking items up, until the tray is empty.
The objects placed on the tray may vary, depending where in Okinawa you happen to visit.
And, the interpretation of the order in which each item is selected, is up to the mother.
Mother's always, know best.
Don't they ?
More About Celebrating a 1st Birthday in Okinawa
Related Post: An Okinawan First Birthday Party (Photo Essay)
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