Day of the Dog 🐕 Safe Birth Prayer @ Kitsuki Shrine

On the Day of the Dog in my fifth month of pregnancy, my husband and I went to pray for a safe delivery!
We also had a prayer ceremony performed at Kitsuki Shrine in Musashino City.

Preparation 1: Maternity Belt

I brought a brand new maternity belt I bought at Nishimatsuya.
I wrapped it in a pink furoshiki cloth and handed it over at the reception desk before the ceremony.

▼ This is the maternity belt I chose!

Preparation 2: Offering Fee

When I made the reservation in advance, I was told the prayer fee was 7,000 yen.
I bought an envelope pre-printed with "Hatsuhoryo" (offering fee), put the money inside, and handed it over at the reception.

Prayer Ceremony ⛩️

My husband was able to join me inside the main hall for the prayer ceremony. I heard that at some shrines, only the pregnant woman is allowed in. There were also families there for their baby's first shrine visit, so it had a very welcoming, homey atmosphere.

The ceremony lasted about 30 minutes in total. I felt so purified afterward!
It was over 30 degrees Celsius that day, but it was comfortable inside thanks to the air conditioning.

May the baby be born healthy!
May all babies around the world live healthy and happy lives!
I prayed in my heart.

Gifts Received 🤰

As gifts, I received an ema (votive tablet), an amulet, commemorative chopsticks and a hand towel, and sacred sake. I wrote my wish on the ema and hung it at the shrine before leaving.
When I got home, I wore the maternity belt for the first time.


My belly feels so warm...! Maybe the baby is happy too ♡ Thank you for reading! 😊