In Japan, there is a special festival called "Shichi-Go-San" where parents take their children to a shrine to make a wish for their future. But did you know that now people are also bringing their dogs and cats to this festival? It's becoming a popular trend!
At the Zama Shrine, there is a special place called the Dog-Cat Shrine, where pet owners can bring their furry friends to receive blessings from a Shinto priest. The shrine even has a specific prayer site for pets, which was established in 2012.
Many pet owners consider their dogs and cats as part of their family. Since Japan's birth rate is going down, meaning fewer babies are being born, people are pouring their love into their pets even more. This is why they want to bless them and wish for their health and happiness.
During the festival, the dogs and cats are dressed in cute kimonos and brought to the shrine. They climb up the steps with their owners and pray together. This year, about 120 pets were expected to receive blessings at the Zama Shrine.
The priest of the shrine, Yoshinori Hiraga, said that they want to give pet owners a special place to thank the gods for their pets when they turn three, five, and seven years old. They hope that by receiving blessings, the pets will have a happy and healthy life.
So, in Japan, not only children but also pets are being celebrated during the Shichi-Go-San festival. It's a way for pet owners to show their love and care for their furry family members.
Why are people bringing their pets to the Shichi-Go-San festival in Japan?
What is the name of the special place at the Zama Shrine for pets?
Why do pet owners dress their dogs and cats in kimonos during the festival?
How many pets were expected to receive blessings at the Zama Shrine this year?
What do pet owners hope for their pets when they receive blessings at the shrine?
Section 2
My name is Molly and I am 8 years old. I live in a small village in Ireland called Ballymore. Today I want to tell you about my average day, but I also want to talk about something really special that happened recently – The Blessing of Pets in Japan. I know it's not in Ireland, but it's such a cool event that I heard about in school.
So, let's start with my day. I wake up early in the morning and get ready for school. After breakfast, my mom walks me to the bus stop. On the bus, I sit with my best friend, Emily. We talk and laugh all the way to school.
In school, we learn about different countries and their traditions. Mr. O'Connor, our teacher, told us about The Blessing of Pets in Japan. It's a special day when people take their pets to a temple to get blessed. I think it's amazing because I love animals, especially my cat, Whiskers.
After school, I rush home to play with Whiskers. She is my best friend too! We have so much fun together. Sometimes we even have tea parties with my stuffed animals. But today, I pretended we were at the Blessing of Pets in Japan. I made a little shrine for Whiskers and gave her a pretend blessing. She looked so happy!
What is the name of the child?
Where does Molly live?
What did Molly learn about in school?
What is The Blessing of Pets in Japan?
Who is Molly's best friend?
Section 3
Welcome to today's special news report! Today, we're going to talk about the wonderful tradition of blessing pets in Japan. In Japan, many people believe that pets bring happiness and good luck to their owners. That's why they have a special day called "Pet Blessing Day" where people bring their pets to temples or shrines to receive blessings.
On Pet Blessing Day, families dress up their pets in cute outfits and bring them along in a procession. The pets are then blessed by a Shinto priest who prays for their health and happiness. This tradition has been going on for hundreds of years and is loved by both children and adults alike.
Not only does this day bring joy to pet owners, but it also helps promote animal welfare. It reminds people to treat their pets with respect and kindness. Some people even donate money or food to animal shelters on this special day.
What is the tradition called in Japan?
Who blesses the pets?
What do people donate to animal shelters?
What is the purpose of Pet Blessing Day?
Why do people dress up their pets?
Section 4
The Blessing of Pets is a special event that takes place in different parts of the world. One such event happened in Ireland, where people gathered to have their pets blessed. Although this event is traditionally associated with Japan, the Irish community decided to bring this beautiful tradition to their country.
The event took place in a local park, where pet owners brought their furry friends, ranging from dogs and cats to rabbits and even a few chickens. The pets were adorned with colorful accessories and their owners beamed with joy. A local priest conducted the blessing ceremony, sprinkling holy water on each pet while saying a prayer for their well-being and happiness.
