Shichigosan, Shichi-Go-San (七五三) is a traditional Japanese celebration held on November 15th to mark the ages of three, five, and seven. It’s a time for families to celebrate children’s growth and pray for their health. Kids dress in special kimono, visit shrines, and enjoy sweets like chitose ame (Thousand-Year Candy). Read on to discover the customs and how families celebrate this meaningful tradition.
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Historical Background
Shichigosan is said to have started during the Heian Period in Japan. Back then, medical knowledge was not as advanced as it is today, and the child mortality rate was high. Because of this, children were considered “children of the gods” until the age of seven. Once a child turned seven, they were regarded as a full-fledged member of society.
To mark the milestones of ages three, five, and seven, families would thank the gods for their children’s health. By the Edo Period, this custom had spread to the general public. Finally, during the Meiji Period, the term “Shichi-Go-San” became widely used, forming the basis of how it is celebrated today.
In the past, there were three main rituals associated with Shichi-Go-San:
Kamioki no Gi (Hair-Restoring Ceremony): When babies were seven days old, their heads would be shaved, and they would be raised without hair until they turned three. This practice was done for health and hygiene reasons during that time.
Hakamagi no Gi (Ceremony of Wearing Hakama): At age five, boys would wear a hakama (traditional trousers) and a kabuto (samurai helmet) for the first time and offer prayers to the gods.
Obitoki no Gi (Ceremony of Wearing an Obi): At age seven, girls would wear an obi (traditional sash) with their kimono for the first time, marking their transition into womanhood.
These customs were followed in earlier times as a way to pray for children’s health and growth.
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Chapter 2: Current Customs
Today, Shichigosan is generally celebrated on November 15th. On this day, girls aged 3 and 7, and boys aged 5, visit a shrine to receive blessings. While November 15th is the official date, many families visit shrines before or after this day as well.
Wearing Kimono
On Shichi-Go-San, children typically wear traditional Japanese clothing. For girls aged 3, a softer, more comfortable kimono called mitsu-mi is worn. The obi (sash) is replaced with a soft heko-obi that is easier on the body. For 7-year-old girls, a child-sized version of an adult kimono is worn. Boys aged 5 usually wear a haori-hakama, which is a traditional outfit with a jacket and pants. Parents often seek a professional to help with dressing and hair styling to ensure everything is set properly. Many mothers wear kimono, while fathers wear a suit.
Photo Shoot
Many families take this opportunity to have professional photos taken, either with just the parents and children or with grandparents as well. This is a popular tradition to preserve the memories of the celebration.
Chitose Ame (Thousand-Year Candy)
There is a tradition of eating chitose ame, which is a long red and white candy. While it’s rare for children to eat the whole candy, it is often used for photographs. The candy is wrapped in bags decorated with lucky symbols, like cranes and turtles, which are symbols of longevity. The name “chitose” means “thousand years,” symbolizing the wish for a long life and good health.
