obi-tying ceremony for safe childbirth
A traditional Japanese ceremony held around the fifth month of pregnancy, where a special maternity belt (岩田帯) is tied around the expectant mother's belly to pray for a safe delivery.
We held the obi-tying ceremony on the Day of the Dog in the fifth month of pregnancy.
Compound of 帯 (obi, 'belt') and 祝い (iwai, 'celebration'). The exact historical origin is uncertain, but the practice is rooted in folk beliefs for safe childbirth.