Last Updated on November 7, 2024
Japanese culture boasts some exciting traditions that have been practiced for many years. The feast famous beyond measure in Japan is Shichi-Go-San for kids between the ages of “Seven- Five- Three” in English. But, there is a beautiful, pleasant, and bright-sounding culture or tradition regarding this aspect of the culture, and it is all about children. This part of the culture dates back over a thousand years and is performed annually on the 15th of November. Let’s take a sneak preview of Japan’s family-oriented culture and tradition. Enjoy the 10 exciting and unique facts below that can help you understand what Shichi-Go-San is and why it is so enjoyable for Japanese families.
1. Shichi-Go-San is a term that in Japanese translates to seven, five, and three
This name is derived from the children’s ages usually associated with this day of remembrance. Five-year-old boys and three- or seven-year-old girls wear kimonos and participate in Shichi-Go-San ceremonies. With more excellent incremental age splits in Japan, the mentioned ages are considered ideal developmental stages for the child, a time to pray for their health and likely to be wealthy.
2. A Celebration That Originated from Antiquity
The chichi-Go-San ceremony has deep roots in the Japanese period, the Heian Period (794 – 1185), when the Japanese upper class started celebrating certain ages that were significant for children and their development. During that period, child mortality was common; therefore, reaching three, five, or seven years of age was essential and was initially performed only by noble families. However, gradually, they migrated to all categories of people and became a popular tradition in Japan over several centuries.
Traditional Clothing during Shichi-Go-San Day
3. Traditional Dress: Kimono and Hakama
Shichi-Go-San stands out, for we reserve some special attention to the formal mimosa. Girls wear colorful kimonos, mainly in pink and red colors dominated by seasonal images; five-year-old boys wear hakama pants, pleated trousers, and a haori jacket. Putting on a kimono costume as part of the celebration is much loved by Japanese families, with many taking formal photos with their New Year clothing.
4. Blessings Receiving at Shinto Shrines
Shichi-Go-San is a Maternal Ritual where families take their children to shrines to pray for their good health, happiness, and growth. This spiritual component still indicates Japan because the Shinto religion, which is deeply rooted in Japan, maintains divine reverence and muscular family strength. Priests at the shrine shower actions known as sharia blessing on children with the aim of cleaning and warding off evil spirits for the year or years to come, an action the public believes would help them be lucky for the given year.
Costumes during Shichi-Go-San Day
5. The Ritual of Hair
Previously, the Shichi-Go-San event was linked to a rite concerning hair only. Traditionally, Japanese babies had their heads shaved to show hygiene and neatness throughout their young age. For Shichi-Go-San, children would start washing their hair at three since they were cut at that age. This practice was called “kam”oki” an” and was considered a significant change. It is one of the reasons why three-year-old children are invited today.
6. Chitose Ame: Shichi-Go-San Candy
One of the specialties children receive during the Shichi-Go-San ceremony is the chitose ame or candies, which means a thousand years. These pieces of candy, red and white sticks given in small colorful bags with pictures of cranes and turtles, the symbols of longevity, are believed to bring happiness, long life, and prosperity. Japan considers red and white lucky and celebratory, so the treat is tasty and symbolic. Peelable Gummies – Perfect for gifts or Shichi-Go-San ceremonies, with decorative bags featuring cranes and turtles.
7. On the 15th of November, the yearly celebration
Date The Shichi-Go-San tradition culminates on the 15th because this number was considered auspicious according to Japanese numerology. This day also links back to the chronological cycle of seasons. In the lunisolar calendar, this day is the winter season in which people pray to be shielded from diseases. At the same time, some families will have the Shichi-Go-San on the close-by weekend for convenience. The 15th of November is the particular date for the event.
Special moments to remember during Shichi-Go-San Day
8. A beautiful collection of stunning and wonderful photos
Families take pictures during the Shichi-Go-San to prove they completed the ritual, and the children are photographed in kimono. Thus, these photographs are considered by many families as a souvenir and, at the same time, a document of an essential process of growing up. Professional studios have packages for the occasion; the shrine pound usually makes a perfect backdrop, especially with complementary formal wear.
9. From Nobility to National Tradition
Initially sanctified only for noble families and samurais, Go-San expanded its status to become a familiar custom of Japan’s sulation. The stringer formation of practice was issued by the Tokugawa shogunate period of Edo and by the time of Meiji-ear, which came into focus in villages and cities. In the present time, in Japanese society, it has become a day of joy, thankfulness, and continuity for the family of any origin.
10. How Contemporary Culture Has Evolved Classical
Clothing It is not limited to those garments; nevertheless, the concept of Shichi-Go-San also has a modern counterpart. Some families prefer to dress up their children in the latest fashion with a dress code similar to Western culture but with Japanese costume accessories. Others may prefer more realistic but meaningful goods, such as a simple kimono jacket for the boys of the household. These adjustments have helped open up the festival so that each family could Follow tradition and do it as individuals wished.
Everyday Things That You Might Need to Know about Shichi-Go-San
Q1: Why is this custom done only for three, five, and seven years old?
A: Shichi-Go-San signifies developmentally characterized progress that was once vital in a child’s years. In Japanese culture, these ages represent stages of growth toward adulthood. Those ages were necessary for survival in ancient Japan because of the high infant mortality rate.
Q2: Are the boy and girl traditional costumes different?
A: Indeed, during Shichi-Go-San, girls are dressed in bright kimonos, whereas boys wear hakama and haori jackets. It also concerns the Japanese clothing worn by people during this celebration and contributes to the festive mood.
Q3: Quite simply, what is unique about chitose ame candy?
A: Chitose ame represents longevity and health because of Shichi-Go-San sand years. It is placed in pretty bags of red and white striped candies, which means a long life and prosperity to the child.
Q4: That is, is the Shichi-Go-San festival observed in all households?
A: Although it is not an official custom, it is celebrated all over Japan. For individuals, it is culturally appropriate in the country, and many families participate by going to the shrine or posing for pictures.
Q5: Is it possible to see the Shichi-Go-San festival as a spectator?
A: Absolutely! Shichi-Go-San is an official ceremony, and tourists can observe families at shrines or at least) during November. It is a beautiful platform to see and admire Japanese culture and traditions.
Q6: Why is the date chosen for the ceremony meaningful?
A: The 15th of November is considered lucky in Japanese numerology. This is because of the alterations in the traditional calendar, especially when people prayed for health and protection as the calendar moved to the winter period.
In Japan, Shichi-Go-San, which translates to “Seven- Five- Three,” is”a bright and lively tradition with a fairytale appeal that symbolizes one of youthful children’s celebrations of health, happiness, and general well-being. Origination A festival practiced in Japan for over a thousand years, celebrating the culture for family and history, now conducted every the 15th of November, you will be introduced to 10 interesting facts about Shichi-Go-San, the tradition of which is filled with symbolism, certain rites, and awe-inspiring features desired by families throughout Japan.