Shinto Blessing & Sayonara Party

Last Sunday was a special day because Ethan recieved a Shinto blessing at a nearby shrine, which was then followed by Louise & Cal's "Sayonara Party."

Louise and Cal have been such good friends to us here in Nagoya, and we will miss them dearly! But they have lived here for 5+ years and are ready to begin their new adventure in Shanghai, China. Louise and I have especially become close, because of being pregnant at the same time, giving birth within 2 days of one another, and learning how to be new parents together. We have certainly shared so many experiences together!! Not only that, but we live in the same building - so we often go out to lunch, walk together to baby swimming, etc. It won't be the same here without them, that's for sure.

On Sunday, their son Ethan received a special Shinto blessing at nearby Nagoya Shrine.

So we dressed Elodie in her first yukata (summer Kimono) and then road to the shrine on our new bike!!

Happy to be in her yukata :)

Loving the new bike!

It was neat to witness a Shinto blessing. It's one of those unique Japanese experiences that we'll always remember. Even though we obviously couldn't understand anything that was being said, it was clear that they were praying for the Ethan's health and happiness.

The priest started the ceremony by thumping a huge wooden drum several times, which was followed by everyone standing to bow deeply twice and then clap their hands twice. The priest then began a low-pitched chant which I'm assuming was "to watch over and protect Ethan," as is most Shinto blessings. His voice was so deep that it almost sounded like a booming hum. The priest then waved a giant wand (which almost looked like a mop of white paper streamers) over Ethan and his parents, as well as the guests. The ceremony concluded with everyone drinking a glass of sake.

Receiving sake.

Photograph with the priest - Ethan was interested in his hat!

After the blessing, we headed over to Louise & Cal's sayonara party. Louise ordered quite a bit of food from a catering service, so we were able to enjoy Japanese cuisine including sushi, egg-rolls, and dumplings, as well as Western food like fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and salads.

Ethan & Elodie hanging out in their yukatas... and maybe a little smooch too :)

Overall a great day with great friends. We will greatly miss these guys!!!