The Beauty of Jichinsai

I have lived in Japan for a couple of years now, and I thought I had seen and experienced a lot. But every now and then, I get a chance to become a witness to some new - to me - kind of Japanese tradition. In this case I encountered something truly special, a traditional Shinto ceremony called "Jichinsai."

My neighborhood has been experiencing a sort of construction boom with new homes and buildings. Right next to where we live, the land has been prepared for some construction. And so, my experience happened right before they started building a new house in the neighborhood. 

I was on my way to work, on a typical morning, when I noticed a long and low sound, or chant. I actually thought someone must be practicing their singing, which is kind of weird in these neighborhoods since in Japan people tend to be very very quiet and respectful towards their neighbors. Anyway, as I got closer to the construction area I saw a gathering with a Shinto priest leading a ceremony. Curious, I paused and walked a little slower - just a little, I didn't want to interrupt - to watch and learn some more.

It was later in the day that I learned about Jichinsai, and that it is performed to purify the land and pray for the safety and well-being of those involved in the construction process plus the family that is going to live there. The priest offered prayers and symbolic offerings to the spirits of the land, known as "kami," seeking their blessings for a successful and safe build. I saw potatoes and carrots and other vegetables. That was interesting.

Witnessing this ceremony was profoundly moving. It reminded me how rich and diverse human traditions are, and how much there is to learn and appreciate, even in the everyday moments. This experience made me happy to be living in this new country. I felt a connection with my old and new neighbors.  It is such a human experience. I felt that I connected with something beautiful and timeless. Something that I was very lucky to have seen and heard first hand.

I am looking forward to many more of these unexpected and beautiful moments.

Thanks for reading. Abrazos.

Diego Rojas