Coming of Age Day
Yesterday was the big Coming of Age Day, the “seijin no hi” (成人の日) which is a public holiday in Japan. It is dedicated to celebrate all the people who will be 20 years old this year and this is one of the most important highlights in any Japanese persons life. Usually cities and town have big ceremonies where they invite young people to take part of inspirational speeches and various ceremonies. It is also a good opportunity for young people to get back together with friends from school that they might not have seen for a year or so after leaving for college. People generally dress up and most people wear the kimono although a lot of men and some women prefer wearing suits or something more personalized. You might remember the tons of other posts I have done on this subject! I didn’t have much time this year so I just took a walk through Harajuku and Shibuya, passing the big Meiji Shrine and getting a few snap shots of the people there. This year it was quite crowded for some reason, but fewer celebrants than usual. Here’s one beauty carefully dedicating a ema plate to the shrine. I also found a ema with some funny wishes, the girl, Haruna, who wrote this (not the one I took a photo of!) hopes that she will become a hairdresser and cut everyone’s hair! She also wants to be bright as a light bulb and she wishes good luck in her studies, particularly her English studies. Good luck Haruna!
I remember that day! I only went one time when I was a teenager. I guess it was a little harder to understand since we don’t have anything really like that in the States. You kind of just graduate High School and either work or go to college nothing special like that.
I wish you could have gotten a closer picture of the second girl in the kimono! I love her Kimono. I hope Haruna gets her wishes. She can cut my hair if she is good at it!
Yes, life in many Western countries lack in rituals and traditions I think. I wish I could have gotten a proper shot of her too but I prefer not to bother anyone with my photography, there were quite a lot of photographers there trying to get the attention of the girls but I am too shy for that! (^-^;)
Aww lol well next time!
What a wonderful tradition!
Thank you Jil! I totally agree! (^-^)
A day I’d love to witness because of my insane love of kimono patterns! I’d be in pattern heaven. Sadly the last time I was in Japan at this time I was working so hard that I wasn’t able to go out and see any ceremonies. The ema is so cute; best wishes for Haruna to be able to be on TV someday, too! >_<
Someday you will be here to see it! (^-^)/
Nice tradition
Lovely kimonos
Pretty smile
Beautiful ema
Cute and funny wishes
Thanks
Thank you for the kind comment Lili! (^-^)
Yet again a nice tradition with nice illustration
thanks for sharing!
Thank you Timi! (^-^)/