KanjiJLPT N3
Participate

nonplussed, three (in documents), going, coming, visiting, visit, be defeated, die, be madly in love, participate, take part in

Mnemonic

Inside a tent, a big man perfects his hairstyle — three flowing streaks — preparing to participate in the shrine festival. His big presence and stunning hairstyle guarantee all eyes are on him as he steps from the tent to participate.
Additional thoughts
Visualize the kanji top to bottom: the tent canopy on top, the big body in the middle, and three streaks of the hairstyle flowing down at the bottom. He's using the tent as a dressing room before going out to join the ceremony.
Quick recall
A big man in a tent perfects his hairstyle to participate in the festival.

Details

The keyword for 参 is participate. This kanji conveys the idea of taking part in something, joining in an activity, or being involved in a group effort. It carries the sense of going somewhere to be present and engaged, such as visiting a shrine or attending a gathering. By extension, it can also relate to the number three in formal or financial contexts, where it serves as a complex form to prevent alteration of numerals.
On'yomi
さん、しん
Kun'yomi
まい.る、まい-、まじわる、みつ

Used in kanji