Once a pregnancy has stabilized, around the fifth month, it is customary for pregnant mothers to visit a Shinto shrine on a Day of the Dog and pray for safety during childbirth. The Day of the Dog (in the Chinese Zodiac) is selected because the dog symbolizes the birth of many children and safe delivery. It is also customary for pregnant women to begin wearing a maternity band at this time. Expecting mothers bring their maternity bands on their shrine visit, thank Kami-sama for blessing them with a child, and pray for the baby’s healthy growth.
It is said that the history of the maternity band dates back to the time of the Kojiki, or Record of Ancient Matters, which was transcribed in 712 CE. The maternity band, called Iwata-obi, is considered to be a wish for protection against disaster and/or impurity. The maternity band not only protects the mother’s body from the cold and from the impact but has also been recognized by medical science as a way to secure the safe positioning of the baby in utero, as well as a way to prevent the formation of stretch marks.
The ceremony is $100 plus shipping when applicable and includes a “Safe Birth” or “Good Health” Omamori.
安定期に入る妊娠五ヶ月目の戌の日に神社に参拝して安産祈願をし、腹帯をしめる慣習が古くからあります。戌の日を選ぶのは、戌が安産で多産であることにあやかっているからです。神社に腹帯を持参し、赤ちゃんを授かったことを神様に感謝し、健やかな成長を祈願します。
腹帯の歴史は、『古事記』まで遡ると言われています。腹帯の「帯」は、穢れや災いから身を守る「帯」が語源とされています。また、腹帯は母体の腹部を冷えや衝撃から守るだけでなく、赤ちゃんの位置を安定させたり、妊娠線を予防したりする効果があると医学的に認められつつあります。
