Antique Baby's Kimono, Hawk on a Pine Tree

This type of kimono is used during a newborn's first visit to the shrine. The ritual takes place about one month after his birth. Traditionally, the kimono was sent by the mother's side of the family to their daughter's new family, bearing the family crest of the husband's side. The newborn will be held in the arms of his mother-in-law and accompanied by his mother. The kimono will lightly cover the baby and is tied to the mother-in-law's neck. This thoughtful gesture to the recovering mother symbolizes the baby's entrance/acceptance to the husband's family. Early 1900 to 1940.