Japanese culture boasts numerous exciting traditions that have been practiced for centuries. The famous feast beyond measure in Japan is Shichi-Go-San for kids between the ages of “Seven- Five- Three” in English. However, there is a beautiful, pleasant, and bright-sounding tradition regarding this aspect of the culture, and it centers on children. This part of the culture dates back over a thousand years and is performed annually on November 15th. Let’s take a sneak peek at Japan’s family-oriented culture and tradition. Discover the 10 exciting and unique facts below to gain a deeper understanding of what Shichi-Go-San is and why it is such a cherished tradition for Japanese families.
1. Shichi-Go-San is a term that in Japanese translates to seven, five, and three
This name is from the children’s ages and is 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 children, a time to pray for their health, and a time when they are likely to be wealthy.
2. A Celebration That Originated from Antiquity
The Chichi-Go-San ceremony has deep roots in the Japanese Heian Period (794–1185), when the upper class began celebrating certain ages significant to children’s development. During that period, child mortality was common; therefore, reaching three, five, or seven years of age was considered essential and was initially reserved for only noble families. However, they gradually spread to all social classes 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 pink and red, featuring seasonal motifs; five-year-old boys wear hakama pants, pleated trousers, and a haori jacket. Donning a kimono costume as part of the celebration is a much-loved tradition among Japanese families, with many taking formal photos in their New Year attire.
4. Blessings Received 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 remains a defining aspect of Japan, as Shinto, deeply rooted in the Country, fosters reverence for the divine and a strong sense of family. Priests at the shrine shower actions known as sharia blessings on children, with the aim of cleansing and warding off evil spirits for the year or years to come. The public believes this action will bring them luck for the given year.
Costumes during Shichi-Go-San Day
5. The Ritual of Hair
Previously, the Shichi-Go-San event was associated with a rite that focused solely on hair. Traditionally, Japanese babies had their heads shaved to demonstrate hygiene and neatness throughout their early years. 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 and was considered a significant change. It is one of the reasons three-year-olds come 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 “thousand years.” These pieces of candy, consisting of red and white sticks, are given in small, colorful bags with pictures of cranes and turtles —the symbols of longevity. They are believed to bring happiness, long life, and prosperity. Japan considers red and white lucky and celebratory colors, so the treat is both tasty and symbolic. Peelable Gummies – Perfect for gifts or Shichi-Go-San ceremonies, with decorative bags featuring cranes and turtles.
7. On November 15th, the yearly celebration
According to Japanese numerology, the Shichi-Go-San tradition culminates on the 15th because the number is considered auspicious. This day also links back to the seasonal cycle. In the lunisolar calendar, this day marks the beginning of winter, when people pray for protection against disease. At the same time, some families will have the Shichi-Go-San on the nearby weekend for convenience. November 15th 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 Shichi-Go-San to prove they have completed the ritual, and the children are photographed in kimonos. Thus, these photographs are used by many families as souvenirs and, simultaneously, as a document of an essential process of growing up. Professional studios offer packages for the occasion; the shrine pond typically makes a perfect backdrop, especially when paired with complementary formal wear.
9. From Nobility to National Tradition
Initially sanctified only for noble families and samurai, Go-San expanded in status to become a familiar custom in Japanese society. The stringer formation of practice was established during the Edo period of the Tokugawa shogunate. By the time of the Meiji era, it had become a focus in villages and cities. In contemporary Japanese society, it has become a day of joy, thankfulness, and unity for families of all origins.
10. How Contemporary Culture Has Evolved Classical
Clothing is not limited to those garments; nevertheless, the concept of Shichi-Go-San also has a modern counterpart. Some families prefer to dress their children in the latest fashion, adopting a dress code similar to Western culture while incorporating traditional 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, allowing each family to follow its traditions in its own way.
Everyday Things That You Might Need to Know about Shichi-Go-San
Q1: Why is this custom done only for three, five, and seven-year-olds?
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 boys’ and girls’ 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 Amé candy?
A: Chitose ame represents longevity and health because of the Shichi-Go-San sand years. It is in pretty bags of red-and-white-striped candies, which symbolize a long life and prosperity for 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: November 15th is considered lucky in Japanese numerology. The date is due to the alterations in the traditional calendar, especially when people prayed for health and protection as the calendar transitioned to the winter period.
In Japan, Shichi-Go-San translates to “Seven-Five-Three” and is a bright and lively tradition with a fairytale appeal that symbolizes one of the most cherished celebrations of health, happiness, and general well-being for young children. Origination: A festival practiced in Japan for over a thousand years, celebrating the culture of family and history, now conducted every November 15th. 10 interesting facts about Shichi-Go-San, the tradition of which is full of symbolism, certain rites, and awe-inspiring features desired by families throughout Japan.
