15 BIZARRE Royal Traditions
15 BIZARRE Royal Traditions
Transcript
00:00The royal family is shrouded in mystery and secrecy.
00:04Many people don't know about the strange and often downright bizarre traditions that
00:08they still practice.
00:09Today, we're uncovering the top 15 most bizarre royal family traditions.
00:14Let's start with number 15, Saint Devotee's Day.
00:18Saint Devotee, which is celebrated each year on January 27th, is a significant event in
00:23Monaco that honors Saint Devotee, the patron saint of the territory, whose legacy dates
00:28back to the early 4th century.
00:30The royal family of Monaco plays a central role to the celebrations, which begin on the
00:34evening of the 27th, when a symbolic boat is carried through the streets of Monaco and
00:39ultimately set ablaze, in a ceremonial act that re-enacts Devotee's journey and arrival.
00:45This boat-burning ceremony takes place in the presence of Prince Albert II, Prince Charlene,
00:51and other members of the Grimaldi family, drawing crowds of locals and visitors.
00:55On the day itself, the celebrations continue with a mass held at the church, with the church
00:59becoming the focal point of activities.
01:02The royal family, dressed in formal attire, attends the mass, but is then expected to
01:06take a more active role in the proceedings.
01:08Prince Albert II is often seen lighting the fire during the boat-burning ceremony, a role
01:13that is said to signify leadership and the protection of the traditions.
01:17Saint Devotee's Day is an expression of Monogasc identity, and the participation of the royal
01:21family adds a layer of significance to the proceedings.
01:25It is a great example of strange and unusual traditions that have evolved over the years,
01:29and it sees the royals taking a leading role in things.
01:3314.
01:34The Norwegian Royal Family Take Part in an Annual Ski Race
01:38The Norwegian royal family is well known for their active participation in national cultural
01:43traditions, with one of the most prominent being the Holmenkollen Ski Festival.
01:48This event is an important part of Norwegian culture and identity, and showcases the nation's
01:52passion for skiing and the outdoors.
01:55The festival is held each year in Oslo, and it is one of the world's oldest skiing competitions,
02:00dating back to 1892.
02:02It features a variety of skiing events, including ski jumping, cross-country skiing, and biathlon,
02:07but it goes beyond those, also celebrating Norwegian winter sports culture as a whole.
02:12The royal family's involvement in this event is a significant aspect of the festival.
02:17King Harald V, Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Hakon, and Crown Princess Mette-Marit are often seen
02:22taking part.
02:24King Harald V, an avid sportsman and sailor, sets an example through his active lifestyle,
02:29and has been known to take part in the races, leading by example.
02:32Queen Sonja, also known for her love of the outdoors, takes part too, and Crown Prince
02:36Hakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit's involvement is seen as crucial in appealing to the younger
02:41demographic.
02:42The presence of the entire royal family at the Holmenkollen Ski Festival serves as a
02:46powerful symbol of unity and continuity, bridging generations and emphasizing the timeless nature
02:51of Norway's love for skiing.
02:5413.
02:55The Royal Taumafa Kava Ceremony The Royal Taumafa Kava Ceremony is a deeply
03:00significant cultural and ritualistic event in Tonga, rooted in centuries-old traditions.
03:06The ceremony takes place around the country, but it's mostly associated with the Tongan
03:10monarchy and is held on various important occasions, including the coronation of a new
03:14king, royal weddings, and significant state events.
03:18Taumafa is a traditional drink made from the root of the kava plant, and it's central
03:21to this ceremony.
03:23It's known for its sedative and calming effects, and it's often used to facilitate communication
03:27with the spiritual world and to promote social cohesion.
03:31The ceremony is a highly structured and formal event, with elaborate protocols.
03:35The ceremony typically takes place in a special pavilion or open-air space, where mats are
03:40laid out for the attendees who are arranged in their hierarchical positions.
03:44At the heart of the ceremony is the kava bowl, usually a large or neatly carved wooden
03:49vessel, and the kava is prepared by specially chosen people who pound the kava roots into
03:53a fine powder, mix it with water, and strain it through a cloth to produce the drink.
03:58The ceremony begins with the arrival of the king or the high-ranking royal figure for
04:02whom the event is being held.
04:04The entrance is marked by traditional chants and the blowing of conch shells, and the king
04:08takes his place at the head of the gathering, signifying his central role in the ritual.
04:13During the ceremony, the kava is presented to the king, while accompanied by traditional
04:17chants known as lakalaka, which praise the king and recount the history and mythology
04:22of Tonga.
04:23Once the kava is prepared, it's served to the king first, and he drinks from a specially
04:26designated cup, often made from coconut shell, which is passed to him by an appointed attendant.
04:32This act of drinking kava is symbolic.
04:34It represents the king's connection to the spiritual realm and his role as the intermediary
04:39between the gods and the people.
04:4212.
04:43The Habsburgs of Austria Were Weighed Before Christmas Dinner
04:47The Habsburgs of Austria, one of the most influential royal families in European history,
04:52were known for their unique traditions.
04:55But perhaps the strangest was that they were each weighed before Christmas dinner.
04:59This ritual became an important part of the court's festivities and a central part of
05:03ceremonial life.
05:05The tradition dates back to the 19th century under the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph I.
05:10It served a practical purpose and was also a lighthearted way to ensure moderation and
05:15health among the royal family.
05:17Before the grand Christmas meal, which was a lavish affair filled with a range of wondrous
05:22dishes, the family would gather, and each member would step on a scale, and their weights
05:26were carefully recorded.
05:28It's important to note that this practice wasn't meant to embarrass anybody, but rather
05:32to promote a sense of restraint during the season, a time typically associated with indulgence.
05:39After the festive period, the Habsburgs would be weighed again to see how much weight they'd
05:43gained, with this follow-up weigh-in usually taking place in January, turning the process
05:47into a family affair filled with curiosity and competition.
05:52It was a way to encourage the family to enjoy the holidays while remaining mindful of their
05:56health.
05:57The weighing ritual also reflected Habsburgs' wider approach to life and governance and
06:02not wanting to be seen as excessive by their subjects, something they had seen go very
06:07wrong for the monarchies in other countries, such as France.
06:1111.
06:13The Cambodian Royal Plowing Ceremony The Cambodian Royal Plowing Ceremony is an
06:19ancient agricultural ritual that marks the beginning of the rice-planting season.
06:23The annual event is held in May and is one of Cambodia's most important cultural and
06:28spiritual ceremonies.
06:30The origins of the event can be traced back to the early Angkor period, and it's traditionally
06:34presided over by members of the royal family or high-ranking officials.
06:38The ceremony is typically held in Phnom Penh, often in the park in front of the National
06:42Museum or the Royal Palace, attracting large crowds of spectators, including farmers, dignitaries,
06:48and tourists.
06:49Things begin with a procession featuring the sacred oxen, beautifully decorated with ornate
06:54harnesses and colorful accessories.
06:56These oxen are considered symbols of fertility and central to the ritual.
07:00The procession also includes Brahmin priests who perform blessings and prayers to invoke
07:05favorable weather and bountiful harvests.
07:08And then, the ceremonial plowing is performed by a couple selected to play the roles of
07:12Preah Mir, or the King of the Plowing, and Preah Nyongkor, or the Queen of the Plowing.
07:18These people, often chosen for their status and virtues, represent the royal authority
07:22overseeing the agricultural process.
07:25During the ceremony, the sacred oxen are yoked to a wooden plow, and the couple guides them
07:29to plow a symbolic furrow in the field.
07:32This act is believed to bless the land and ensure a productive growing season.
07:37Following the plowing, the oxen are led to seven trays filled with offerings such as
07:41rice, corn, beans, sesame seeds, grass, water, and wine, and their choice of food from these
07:46trays is interpreted as an omen predicting the agricultural conditions for the coming
07:51year.
07:52For instance, if they eat a significant amount of rice or corn, it is taken as a sign of
07:55a good harvest.
07:57On the other hand, if they eat grass or drink water, it might be seen as a prediction of
08:00floods or poor yield.
08:02The royal plowing ceremony holds a deep cultural and spiritual meaning for Cambodians.
08:07It not only reaffirms the importance of agriculture, but also connects the present with the past,
08:13honoring the traditions and beliefs of their ancestors.
08:16It's a time for farmers to seek blessings and guidance for the planting season, ensuring
08:20that their efforts are in harmony with the natural cycles, and it reminds them of the
08:23ceremonial importance of their royal family.
08:2710.
08:28Playing Monopoly is Banned Every family has a time when they like to
08:33play games, and for many, including royal families, it's a great way to get together
08:38around a board game.
08:39There are some, though, that are apparently completely off-limits, and for the British
08:43royal family, Monopoly is one that they stay clear of.
08:47This ban, while seeming trivial, sheds light on the family's similarity to everyone else
08:52in some ways, but also their differences in needing to maintain decorum and avoid
08:58potentially divisive or contentious situations, even in their private lives.
09:03The story dates back to 2008, when Prince Andrew, Duke of York, mentioned during a public
09:08engagement that playing Monopoly was prohibited within the royal household because it gets
09:13too vicious.
09:15While this remark, made in a lighthearted context, was a glimpse into the dynamics of
09:19family interactions, even among the royals, and probably something every person who has
09:23ever played Monopoly with their family will know all too well.
09:27Monopoly, of course, involves strategic property trading, negotiation, and sometimes ruthless
09:33tactics, and it's notorious for causing arguments.
09:36Within the context of the royal family, who are always under public scrutiny, maintaining
09:40harmony and avoiding any behavior that could be seen as undignified or overly competitive
09:45is critical, so they're probably far better off by avoiding it altogether.
09:50The royal family's choice to avoid Monopoly can be seen as part of a wider set of unwritten
09:54guidelines and practices that aim to uphold the image and values of the monarchy.
10:00The royals are known for keeping to tradition, etiquette, and a sense of duty, which extends
10:04into their personal lives.
10:06By opting out of potentially contentious activities, they safeguard their relationships and the
10:10perception of unity and decorum that's expected from them.
10:159.
10:16THE OMMAGONG OF BRUSSELS The Ommagong of Brussels is an annual cultural
10:21event that's a re-enactment of a significant historical moment in 1549 known as the joyous
10:27entry of Emperor Charles V into Brussels.
10:30The event typically takes place in early July and sees the organization of huge processions,
10:35medieval jousts, and various performances that transport you into the past.
10:39Now central to the modern Ommagong is the presence and participation of the Belgian
10:44royal family in the festivities.
10:46It begins with a procession through the streets of Brussels where participants don historically
10:50accurate costumes, representing various guilds, nobility, and even figures from folklore.
10:56The procession culminates in the Grand Palace where a grand performance takes place.
11:01Here the royal family is usually seated in a place of honor, overlooking the square as
11:05the events progress.
11:07Note their presence seen as a particular highlight, drawing large crowds wanting to
11:10catch a glimpse of the royals and to feel part of this shared national history.
11:15One of the most anticipated moments is the re-enactment of the historical jousts and
11:19games, which are performed in the same way as they have been for centuries.
11:23The king and queen, often accompanied by their children, are seen interacting with performers
11:27and participants, adding a personal touch to the proceedings.
11:30As well as being a royal event, it's also a great display of Belgian craftsmanship and
11:35artistry, with costumes, floats, and props that have been handcrafted by local artisans,
11:40and the more attention that's brought to it, the more tradition is kept alive.
11:448.
11:46Heirs Cannot Travel Together It may seem like a perfect life where everything
11:51you could ever need is arranged for you, and anytime you travel anywhere, you're afforded
11:55the most luxurious options available.
11:57But there are various consequences for all this.
12:01One of course is a sense of privacy, with photographers at every turn.
12:06But another is that direct heirs to the throne aren't ever allowed to actually travel together,
12:11a tradition that's deeply rooted in the need to preserve lineage and continuity.
12:16This measure, although seemingly old-fashioned, does remain relevant and is observed by many
12:20royal families and dynasties from around the world, and is seen as necessary in case anything
12:25happens that could jeopardize the succession.
12:28This protocol is especially prevalent among royal families where the line of succession
12:32is a matter of national importance.
12:34For instance, in the British royal family, it's customary for the monarch and the immediate
12:38heirs to the throne to travel separately.
12:40This means that King Charles, as well as his son, Prince William, and William's eldest
12:44child, Prince George, could not ever travel together on the same flight or in the same
12:49vehicle, ensuring that the line of succession remains intact.
12:53It's a practice, though, that extends beyond royalty to prominent families as well, often
12:59where substantial wealth and business empires are at stake.
13:02This is particularly common in families that own large multinational corporations or hold
13:07significant shares of influential businesses, as by ensuring that key family members don't
13:11travel together, these families protect the continuity and governance of their enterprise.
13:16This precaution, though, is controversial, as there are those who argue it can seemingly
13:20be over-cautious in the modern age, where air travel is statistically very safe and
13:26advanced safety measures are in place.
13:28If anything, it could be seen as unnecessarily increasing other people's anxieties about
13:33travel methods.
13:35Moving on to number 7, the Swedish King presents the Nobel Prizes.
13:40The Nobel Prizes are some of the most prestigious recognitions that people in various fields
13:44can be awarded each year, but did you know that it's the job of the King of Sweden to
13:48hand them out to the recipients?
13:51Every year on December 10th, the event, held at Stockholm Concert Hall and followed by
13:55a grand banquet at the City Hall, is a significant highlight in the global academic calendar.
14:00The Nobel Prizes are established by the will of Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite.
14:05They're awarded in the fields of physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature,
14:11and peace, although the Peace Prize is presented separately in Oslo, Norway.
14:15The role of the Swedish King in this ceremony is both symbolic and ceremonial, yet it carries
14:20prestige and tradition.
14:22The King's participation reflects the importance of the Nobel Prizes and Sweden's commitment
14:26to honoring outstanding contributions to humanity.
14:29Currently, King Carl XVI Gustaf fulfills this role, continuing a tradition that's been maintained
14:35since the first Nobel Prizes were awarded in 1901.
14:38The ceremony begins with an academic procession, followed by speeches from representatives
14:43of the Nobel committees, who highlight the significance of the laureates' contributions.
14:47These laureates then receive their awards from the King himself, with each Nobel Prize
14:51consisting of a medal, a diploma, and a monetary award, which will vary in amount.
14:57King Carl XVI Gustaf's presence adds a regal element to the proceedings.
15:01Dressed in full ceremonial attire, the King personally hands each laureate their medal
15:06and diploma, offering congratulations and posing for photographs.
15:10The Nobel Banquet, held a bit later in the evening, is another part of the day's celebrations.
15:14The Swedish royal family, Nobel laureates, and other distinguished guests gather at the
15:18Stockholm City Hall for a lavish dinner.
15:21The banquet, attended by around 1,300 people, features speeches, toasts, and performances,
15:26further celebrating the laureates' achievements.
15:29The King then gives a speech, emphasizing the importance of science, literature, and
15:33peace, and he also highlights the contributions of the year's attendees.
15:386.
15:39The Sechu Festival The Sechu Festival is one of Bhutan's most
15:43important and beloved traditions.
15:45Held each year in various monasteries and Dzongs across the country, it's dedicated
15:50to Guru Rinpoche, the Buddhist saint who brought Buddhism to the country.
15:54The event involves colorful masks, dances, religious rituals, and communal gatherings,
15:59attracting both locals and international people.
16:02The Bhutanese royals, particularly the King and Queen, play a vital role in the Sechu
16:06Festival.
16:08Their involvement is more than ceremonial, as it's a demonstration of their commitment
16:12to preserving and promoting Bhutan's heritage.
16:15The King and Queen, often accompanied by their children and other members of the royal family,
16:19attend the festival's key events, reinforcing the monarchy's connection to the nation.
16:24During the festival, the royal family takes part in various ceremonies and rituals.
16:28They're often seen offering prayers and performing ritual rites, highlighting the importance
16:32of maintaining cultural and religious traditions in Bhutanese society.
16:37Particularly the highlight is the series of mask dances, known as Cham dances.
16:41These dances, performed by monks and laypeople, depict stories and legends from Buddhism.
16:46The dances are a form of entertainment, but they also carry a deep religious significance,
16:51believed to bring blessings and protection to the viewers.
16:54The sight of the King and Queen watching these dances, often dressed in traditional Bhutanese
16:58attire, adds to the prestige of the festival, and their engagement with the performances
17:03shows their support for the preservation of these ancient art forms.
17:075.
17:08The Stone of Skun The Stone of Skun, also known as the Stone
17:12of Destiny, is a significant artifact that's played a central role in the coronation ceremonies
17:17of Scottish and British monarchs for centuries.
17:21This ancient sandstone block, weighing around 335 pounds or about 152 kilograms, is steeped
17:27in legend and tradition, and continues to be important to this day.
17:31The origins of the stone are not known, but according to legend, it was used by Jacob
17:36from the Bible as a pillow when he had a vision of angels ascending and descending a ladder
17:41to heaven, known as Jacob's Ladder.
17:43This myth suggests that the stone was brought from the Holy Land to Scotland, meaning it
17:48is truly a sacred object.
17:50Historically, the Stone of Skun was used in the coronation ceremonies of Scottish kings
17:54at Scone Abbey in Perthshire, Scotland, serving as the coronation seat, with the first recorded
17:59use of the stone for this purpose being in the coronation of Kenneth MacAlpin, the first
18:03king of the Scots in the 9th century.
18:06In 1296, during the Scottish War of Independence, the Stone of Skun was seized by King Edward
18:10I of England as a symbol of his conquest of Scotland, and he had it transported to Westminster
18:16Abbey in London, where it was incorporated into a specially constructed wooden coronation
18:21chair, known as King Edward's Chair.
18:23This act was intended to signify England's dominance over Scotland and to assert Edward's
18:28claim to be the rightful ruler of both nations, and for centuries, it remained there and played
18:33a central role in the coronation ceremonies.
18:36Every monarch from Edward II to the current King Charles was crowned while seated above
18:41the stone, which was embedded in the base of King Edward's Chair, a tradition that underscores
18:46the unity of the United Kingdom and the continuity of royal authority.
18:51The Stone of Skun's presence in England was a point of contention and a symbol of subjugation
18:56for many Scots, however, and in 1950, a group of Scottish nationalists famously stole it
19:02from Westminster Abbey and smuggled it back to Scotland.
19:05It was eventually recovered and returned to Westminster Abbey, but this incident highlighted
19:10the stone's symbolic importance.
19:12In 1996, the British government decided to return the Stone of Skun to Scotland as a
19:17gesture of goodwill and recognition of its culture.
19:19The stone was transported to Edinburgh Castle, where it remains on display alongside the
19:24Scottish Crown Jewels, although with the agreement that it would be temporarily returned
19:28to Westminster Abbey for future coronation ceremonies, which it was recently for King
19:33Charles.
19:354.
19:36The Swan Upping Ceremony You may already know that every swan in the
19:40United Kingdom is officially the property of the royal family, but rather than simply
19:45being a strange ancient law, it's something that's reinforced every year by the Swan
19:50Upping Ceremony.
19:51This traditional practice, which is held every third week of July, is a census of the swan
19:56population on the Thames, specifically focused on mute swans.
20:00The ceremony dates back to the 12th century, when the Crown claimed ownership of all mute
20:05swans, which were considered a delicacy at medieval feasts, and while today the event
20:10is more about conservation and education than preparing for royal banquets, it's still
20:14taken very seriously.
20:16The ceremony is led by the king's swanmaker, along with the swan uppers from the vintners
20:20and dyers' livery companies, which are two companies that were granted rights of
20:24ownership to some of the swans by the Crown centuries ago.
20:28The Swan Upping fleet is made of several traditional rowing skiffs, each flying flags adorned with
20:33the insignias of their respective organizations, and these boats make their way up the Thames
20:37over a five-day period, starting at Sunbury and ending at Abingdon.
20:41The Swan Upping begins with the cry of, "'All up!' as the swan uppers approach a brood
20:46of swans.
20:47The rowers carefully herd the birds to the riverbank where they are examined, weighed,
20:51and measured.
20:52Each swan family is assessed for health and given a thorough check-up to ensure they are
20:56free from injury and disease.
20:58Any signets found during the process are marked with a small ring on their leg indicating
21:02their ownership, with the swans owned by the king being marked differently from those owned
21:07by the vintners and dyers' companies.
21:09The ceremonial aspects of this Swan Upping are steeped in tradition.
21:14Swans wear uniforms featuring red, white, and blue colors of the British monarchy and
21:18their respective livery.
21:20The event draws spectators along the riverbanks too to witness this blend of historical ritual
21:24and wildlife management.
21:26The ceremony has evolved significantly from its origins, as in the past the focus was
21:30mainly on asserting ownership and preparing swans for consumption, but now it's done alongside
21:36conservationists and wildlife experts to ensure the well-being of the swans and to bring attention
21:42to the importance of all species in the river.
21:453.
21:46The King of Eswatini Chooses a New Wife Each Year
21:50The King of Eswatini, which used to be called Swaziland, was the last monarch in Africa
21:55to have absolute authority over their country.
21:59This has led to the current king, Maswati III, living quite the luxurious life in comparison
22:04to his subjects.
22:05It's also allowed for the development of an unusual tradition whereby although he currently
22:10has 15 wives, a ceremony takes place every year where he chooses yet another.
22:17This annual event, known as the Umlanga or Reed Dance, is one of the most significant
22:21cultural ceremonies there, drawing thousands of young women from across the nation.
22:26It takes place in late August or early September and it lasts for eight days, and it's seen
22:31as a vibrant celebration of womanhood and unity among Swazi women.
22:36The event was popularized during the reign of King Sobhuza II and continues to be a focal
22:40point of Swazi culture.
22:42Young women, often referred to as maidens, come from all regions to participate.
22:46They dress in traditional attire, which includes brightly colored skirts, beaded jewelry, and
22:51sashes.
22:53Each participant carries a long reed, which they present to the queen mother, symbolizing
22:57their purity and readiness to serve their kingdom.
23:00The highlight of the Umlanga is the grand dance where the maidens dance and sing in
23:05unison before the king and other dignitaries, and it's during this time that the king may
23:09choose a new wife.
23:11Although it's not a mandatory part of the ceremony every year, the selection of a wife
23:15is seen as a personal decision for the king and is often influenced by various factors,
23:20including political and familial considerations.
23:22Polygamy is a long-standing practice in the local culture, particularly among the royal
23:26family, and is viewed as a means of strengthening alliances.
23:30While the Umlanga reed dance is celebrated for its cultural significance, it's also faced
23:35some criticism from various quarters.
23:37Critics argue that the practice of the king choosing a new wife perpetuates the outdated
23:41gender norms and polygamy, with concerns about the pressure placed on young women to participate
23:46in the event.
23:482.
23:49The British Monarch Has Two Birthdays There are a few celebrations that take place
23:54each year that are personal to us, one of which is our birthday, but in another example
23:58of how royals are often treated differently, the British king actually has two of them.
24:04It's a tradition that dates back hundreds of years and is one of the ways they blend
24:07personal and public duties, as well as dealing with the practicalities of British weather.
24:13The monarch's official birthday is distinct from their actual birthday.
24:17The actual birthday is the anniversary of the monarch's birth, so, for example, King
24:21Charles was born November 14th, 1948.
24:24This is the date that's celebrated privately by the royal family and may include some public
24:29acknowledgments, such as gun salutes, but the official birthday is a separate celebration
24:34held on a different date, usually the second Saturday in June.
24:38The origin of this tradition goes back to the reign of King George II in 1748.
24:43He was born in November, a month often known for its tricky weather in the UK, which made
24:47it difficult to hold large public celebrations.
24:50To address this, the official birthday celebration was moved to a date in the summer in order
24:54to make sure there was better weather.
24:56This practice has been maintained by successive monarchs ever since, and it's become an established
25:01tradition.
25:02The biggest event on the monarch's official birthday is the Trooping the Colour ceremony.
25:06This event, also known as the King's Birthday Parade, is a spectacular military display
25:10held in London and involves the participation of over 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400
25:17musicians.
25:18The parade moves from Buckingham Palace along the Mall to Horse Guards Parade, where the
25:22King inspects the troops and takes the salute.
25:25Trooping the Colour also has historical roots dating back to the early 18th century and
25:29serves as both a birthday celebration and a display of military prowess.
25:33Each year, one of the regiments of the Household Division takes its turn to troop its regimental
25:38flag or colour in front of the monarch, and the ceremony concludes with the royal family
25:42appearing on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch a flypast by the Royal Air Force.
25:47As well as this, there are other events that may be held to mark the official birthday,
25:51including a special birthday concert, the issuance of commemorative coins and stamps,
25:55and various public celebrations.
25:57The King's Birthday Honours List is also published, which recognizes the achievements and service
26:02of people across the UK and the Commonwealth and grants them some prestigious titles.
26:071.
26:09The Shichigosan Festival The royal family takes part in ceremonies
26:13and traditions all throughout the year, but perhaps one of the more unusual, mostly because
26:18of how specific it is in terms of who celebrates it, is the Shichigosan Festival.
26:23Held each year on November 15th, it's become an important event in the lives of young children
26:27and their families.
26:29Its name translates to 7-5-3, and it's an event that celebrates 3- and 5-year-old boys
26:35and 3- and 7-year-old girls.
26:37It's an occasion to celebrate the growth and health of young children, and it holds a special
26:42cultural and familial importance in Japan.
26:45The Japanese imperial family, being the symbolic and cultural leaders of the country, usually
26:50participate in the festivities.
26:52This festival is more than a thousand years old, but has significantly changed over this
26:56time.
26:57At first, it was a rite of passage for aristocratic children, marking significant stages in their
27:02growth, but then it became more widespread traditions among all families in Japan.
27:07For the imperial family, the festival is an opportunity to celebrate their young members'
27:12everyone else, and when imperial children reach the appropriate ages, they wear traditional
27:17Japanese attire and visit Shinto shrines for blessings.
27:20The boys typically wear hakama, and the girls wear colorful kimono, which are intricately
27:25designed and symbolize the prosperity wished upon the children.
27:28The royal family's participation in the festival depends on whether they have any children
27:33at their respective ages.
27:34If they do, it's usually a private affair, held at the Meiji Shrine or other significant
27:39shrine.
27:40The royal family visits are led by priests who perform purification rites and offer prayers
27:44for the children's healthy growth and future prosperity.
27:47Photographs and media coverage of the imperial family celebrating it often emerge, providing
27:52the public with a glimpse of the royal children's progression and the family's adherence to
27:56tradition.
27:57These images not only highlight the personal milestones of the imperial children, but also
28:02serve to strengthen the cultural identity and continuity of Japanese society.
28:06If they don't have any children of those ages, though, they tend to take a more public
28:10role in celebrating the festival, helping to bring the community together and wish a
28:14successful future to the youth.