Shichi-Go-San

10 Fun Facts About Shichi-Go-San Day Celebrations in Japan

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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.

Japanese culture

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.

Shichi-Go-San

Traditional Clothing during Shichi-Go-San Day 

3. Traditional Dress: Kimono and Hakama

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.

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.

Shichi-Go-San

Costumes during Shichi-Go-San Day 

5. The Ritual of Hair

6. Chitose Ame: Shichi-Go-San

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 celebratoryPeelable Gummies

Shichi-Go-San

7. On the 15th of November, the yearly celebration

Date 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.

Shichi-Go-San

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.

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. 

Shichi-Go-San

Q1:

A:

Q2:

A: Indeed, during Shichi-Go-San, girls are dressed in bright kimonos, whereas boys wear hakama and haori jackets. 

Q3:

A:

Q4:

A: 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!

Q6:

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.

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