“Miyamairi” (also called “Ubusunamairi”) is another special occasion which takes place soon after a child’s birth. Miyabairi is the first time the child’s parents will take him/her to visit a shrine for worship. The traditional dates differ based on gender, 31 days old for boys, and 32 days old for girls. In modern times, however, the exact date is not regarded as important as the health of the child, thus a day (or season) with better weather conditions is often chosen. Generally the grandmother would carry the child, while the new mother brought gifts to offer. Both would wear kimonos displaying the crest of the family. At well-known shrines you can often spot a family dressed up in traditional clothes for their child’s miyamairi.
