Shichigosan (七五三) is a Japanese traditional celebration held annually on November 15th.
The name “Shichigosan” translates to “Seven-Five-Three,” which reflects the ages of the children who participate in the event: three-year-old boys and girls, five-year-old boys, and seven-year-old girls.
This time, I’d like to write about this custom.
Purpose of the event “Shichigosan”
Shichigosan is a rite of passage marking important milestones in a child’s growth.
It is a day for parents to express gratitude for their child’s health and to pray for their continued well-being and prosperity.
Shichigosan is not a public holiday, but it is widely celebrated across Japan, and it remains an important cultural tradition for many Japanese families.
Customs of Shichigosan
Dressing Up
On this day, children typically dress in traditional Japanese attire.
Girls often wear kimono.
And boys usually wear hakama (a type of traditional trousers) or suit.
The attire can vary based on local customs and family preferences.
In my case, I wore kimono for my Shichigosan.
I was looking forward to joining the big event in kimono.
Shrine Visit
Families visit Shinto shrines to offer prayers and receive blessings.
Priests may perform special ceremonies to bless the children.
Chitose Ame
A special candy called “chitose ame”, meaning “thousand-year candy,” is given to children.
Chitoseame is usually long and thin, symbolizes the parents’ wish for their child’s long and healthy life. “chitose ame” is often packaged in bags decorated with symbols of longevity, such as cranes and turtles.
Conclusion : Shichigosan is a happy event for kids!
This is a picture of Shichigosan I joined.
For this event, I went to the biggest shrine in the prefecture.
I still remember how happy I was!
Wearing a beautiful kimono and going to the shrine with my parents and grandparents was a great memory.
I wish I could experience this again…
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