水天宮

Suitenguu-- Shrine for a safe and easy delivery

I don't pretend to understand the Japanese approach to religion.  They go to shrines for some things, temples for others.  It's a system that works for them.  Recently, my friend took me to Suitenguu which specializes in safe and easy childbirth.  I saw pregnant women there, but what was most remarkable were the babies!  Lots of babies held by happy but awkward fathers with plenty of Grandparents taking MANY  photos in front of the temple. 

They go there before the baby is born to ask for a safe delivery and then after the baby is born to give thanks. 

While I was there, I bought a charm for my special friends who are expecting their first baby.  The kanji on the green charm"安産御守(あんざんおまもり" is safe delivery.  And the white cotton cloth with red lettering says "水天宮　祈安産　御鈴緒" which is the name of the shrine and a prayer for a safe delivery and healthy baby, I think.  The expectant mother sews this into her clothing.

Yesterday, Martin and I ran a bunch of errands on our bikes and met up with our friends and gave her the charms.  I pray that everything goes well for Kana-san and Kofuji.  Their baby is expected in early January.

Comments

[Mom Knuth]

Pam, I'm at Mike's and he was telling me about your story. It is so cute and real. Someday I'll get on line again. Jackie and I went shopping for a few gefts for a girl from the salvation army tree.
Don't send anything home for Christmas. You all have a nice holiday. Love Mom