The first ceremony, Kamioki, as aforementioned takes place in a child’s third year of life. This is a ceremony that held great significance to parents during the time of high infant mortality. So, this was a time when parents would go to a Shrine and thank their deity for allowing their babies to reach three years of age. Additionally, this is when their hair is allowed to grow out. Back then it was very common to shave a baby’s head from the time they are born to three years old. There is insufficient research as to why this was a regular practice, however, it was believed that shaving a baby’s hair leads to more luxurious hair growth later on. However, in recent times it is much less common for parents to shave their infant’s head. Now they opt for a trim.
Artist: Torii Kiyonaga (1778-1789)
