#782 Otherwordly Shichi-Go-San Plan

Prime numbers. I must count the prime numbers...!

Three, five, seven, eleven, thirteen...!

Here, we can already see the famous 7-5-3.

...Huh? Two’s a prime number, too? Eh, let’s not sweat the small stuff.

Right now, what’s crucial is celebrating Shichi-Go-San for my three-year-old Junior.

Age counted in years or actual age, all such details are trivial now.

Anyhow, I’m determined to go ahead with it.

The 7-5-3 ceremony, that is.

I plan to go full steam ahead and celebrate it when he turns five and seven.

...Having resolved as such, I’m on a mission: humanity’s Shichi-Go-San plan!

But then, a question crossed my mind.

“...What do we do during Shichi-Go-San?”

For Christmas, we decorate a tree, eat cake, hang stockings, and prepare for Santa.

For Setsubun, we scatter beans inside our homes to chase away demons and eat a thick roll of makizushi facing the lucky direction.

Each has its own customs.

So, when it comes to Shichi-Go-San... what’s the tradition?

Is there some food involved?

Yes, food is often crucial for these events.

Hinamatsuri rice crackers, Children’s Day oak leaf wrapped rice cake, Valentine’s Day chocolates.

These treats are indispensable for these occasions, as well as a huge sales opportunity for the food industry. They’re promoted like cousins of roll cakes and sushi rolls.

So, what’s the signature dish for Shichi-Go-San?

......

...

.........Chitose candy?

It took me a while to recall, but I think that’s it.

Based on what I’ve seen on TV, kids get long bags filled with white candies as gifts during Shichi-Go-San!

Yeah, that’s the one!

Definitely.

During Shichi-Go-San, everyone will enjoy Chitose candy, and Junior will be thrilled!

...

...or maybe not.

Sure, candies taste great.

But an event that ends with just candy feels somewhat lacking.

For such a special day for Junior, it deserves a grander celebration!

Ending it with just candy would diminish my dignity as a father!

For now, I’ll put Chitose candy on the to-do list...

I still need more ideas!!!

What else... what else is there...?!

Right... Right, the shrine!

A common thing to do for Shichi-Go-San is... visit a shrine!!!

Visit a shrine and... then what?

Yeesh, I’m missing some basic knowledge here.

Details can be sorted out later. For now, I’ve got a general idea.

The main event for Shichi-Go-San has to be at a shrine.

We’ll do something there.

It’s a rough plan, but it should be fine as long as I follow through.

However, another problem arises.

“...There’s no shrine.”

Seriously, nada.

After all, I’m in another world.

If this world hasn’t inherited the cultural customs of my world, then, of course, it wouldn’t have shrines.

Now what? If there’s no shrine, how can we pay a shrine visit?

There might be something similar here...a church? But I don’t want to compromise for my son’s big day.

I got it...!

If it doesn’t exist, I’ll just make it!!!

That’s how I’ve always approached things in this otherworldly life!!!

Alright, let’s get that shrine built!!!

I’ve got a team of construction-loving orcs on my farm! With their help, building a shrine should be a breeze!!!

***

And with that, I’m going to build a shrine.

I explain the plan to the orcs I gathered.

“...Wait, where’s Orkubo?”

“Leader Orkubo is tending to his wife and won’t be here today.”

... 

I see...

Orkubo is now a married man, and with that comes obligations.

I better not get him in trouble by having his wife corner him with questions like, “What’s more important, your work or me?!” 

Guess we’ll just ignore Orkubo’s situation for now. 

Speaking of which, things might be challenging for Gobukichi too.

Well, everyone has their own domestic situations to deal with.

For now, I’ll focus on my own and build that shrine.

“My Lord! I have a question!”

One of the orcs eagerly raised his hand. 

I commend his enthusiasm and decide to let him speak. 

What is it?

“What exactly is a shrine?”

That’s a great question.

What, indeed, is a shrine... 

It’s a philosophical question.

Shrine... Jinja...

Jinja... Like ginger in English? No, never mind that.

“Let’s see... a shrine is a place to worship.”

You give offerings, ring bells, and make wishes.

Like hoping to win the lottery or some sort.

And you can draw lots and buy amulets.

There are also wooden plaques. I wish I had the artistic talent to offer a cute drawing on one.

“In short, it’s where gods reside. It’s a place to greet and make requests to them.”

“Isn’t that a temple, My Lord?”

...

Hmm...

It’s a complex distinction.

How many people can truly explain the difference between a temple and a shrine when asked?

If it looks like the Parthenon, it’s a temple. If it has a Torii gate, it’s a shrine. ...Is that not sufficient?

“W-Well... it might be a difference in architectural style?”

Cornered, I try to distract the orcs by appealing to their passion for construction.

“You see, shrines have this unique architectural style. How about we, the orcs and I, research and build it?”

Like the iconic Torii gates.

It’s the traditional Japanese style of shrine architecture.

Perhaps taking on these unique styles would fire up the orcs’ construction spirits.

What do you think, guys?

“OOOOOOOOOH!!!”

“A new architectural style! That’s so exciting! So excitingggggggggg!!!”

“Let’s do it, My Lord! Time to master new techniques!!!”

That seemed to work wonderfully.

These orcs really do love to build things.

Good, the shrine construction plan seems to be moving forward.

I have to make sure it’s done by Junior’s birthday.

Can we finish it in three days?

But there’s a lot more to prepare.

For a child’s shrine visit on Shichi-Go-San... yes, we need appropriate attire.

We can’t have him in casual clothes on such a special day.

For a girl, a colorful kimono would be great, with a focus on the design. But Junior is a boy.

That doesn’t mean he can’t look dapper.

A haori and hakama is the way to go.

The truth is, I actually know my family crest.

Most Japanese would be surprised to learn they have a family crest, but I learned mine during a family grave visit in elementary school.

I’ll ask Batemy to make a haori and hakama with our family crest on it.

She’s a newlywed too, but I’m sure she’ll manage.