Shichi-Go-San Festival: Japan’s Heartfelt Celebration of Childhood and Blessings

Every November 15, families across Japan celebrate one of the most heartwarming cultural traditions, Shichi-Go-San, meaning “Seven-Five-Three.” On this special day, parents dress their children in elegant traditional attire and visit Shinto shrines to offer prayers for health, growth, and good fortune.

It’s more than just a festival; it’s a rite of passage that beautifully blends spirituality, fashion, and family pride. While deeply rooted in ancient customs, Shichi-Go-San today reflects the evolving face of Japanese society, where the old and new coexist harmoniously.

Origins: How Shichi-Go-San Began

The origins of Shichi-Go-San date back to Japan’s Heian period (794–1185), an era when noble families performed ceremonies marking their children’s growth milestones. At a time when child mortality rates were high, surviving to ages three, five, or seven was considered a blessing worthy of prayer and celebration.

Each age represented a distinct stage in a child’s physical and spiritual development:

• Age 3 (髪置きの儀 – Kamioki no Gi): Children were allowed to grow their hair after having their heads shaved as infants symbolizing vitality and the beginning of childhood.

• Age 5 (袴着の儀 – Hakamagi no Gi): Boys began wearing hakama (pleated trousers) for the first time, marking their transition into boyhood.

• Age 7 (帯解の儀 – Obitoki no Gi): Girls started wearing the formal obi sash with their kimono, symbolizing their passage into girlhood and the beginning of independence.

During the Edo period (1603–1868), this noble custom spread to the general population, and November 15 was officially chosen as the festival day because it was considered auspicious according to the lunar calendar.

Symbolism of the Numbers 7, 5, and 3

In Japanese numerology, odd numbers are lucky because they cannot be divided evenly, symbolizing indivisibility, resilience, and growth.

• Three represents the start of life’s journey.

• Five symbolizes strength and personal development.

• Seven reflects spiritual maturity and grace.

Together, they encapsulate the stages of a child’s growth physically, mentally, and spiritually forming the foundation of the Shichi-Go-San celebration.

Traditional Customs and Shrine Visits

The heart of the Shichi-Go-San Festival lies in the Shinto shrine visit (参拝 – Sanpai). Dressed in splendid traditional clothing, families visit local shrines to express gratitude for their children’s healthy growth and to pray for continued well-being.

Priests perform blessings (祈祷 – Kitō) by chanting prayers and waving sacred wands (gohei) to purify and protect the children. Families often receive small protective amulets (omamori) from the shrine, believed to safeguard children from misfortune and illness.

Some of the most famous shrines visited for Shichi-Go-San include

• Meiji Jingu Shrine (Tokyo)

• Heian Shrine (Kyoto)

• Osaka Tenmangu Shrine (Osaka)

• Hokkaido Shrine (Sapporo)

The Fashion: Kimono, Hakama, and Modern Styles

Shichi-Go-San is often a child’s first encounter with formal traditional clothing and, for many parents, a moment of pride and nostalgia.

• Girls (Ages 3 & 7): Dressed in colorful kimono with floral patterns representing growth, beauty, and fortune. The 7-year-olds wear an obi belt, while 3-year-olds wear a shorter hifu vest for comfort.

• Boys (Ages 3 & 5): Wear a haori jacket and hakama trousers, often in navy, gray, or black with family crests and motifs like cranes, dragons, or samurai symbols representing strength and protection.

Modern versions of the celebration have introduced Western influences, such as tuxedos or dresses, especially during studio photo sessions. Yet, most families still choose the kimono for its symbolic connection to Japanese heritage.

Chitose Ame: The Candy of Longevity

No Shichi-Go-San celebration is complete without Chitose Ame (千歳飴), the “thousand-year candy.”
These long, thin red-and-white candies represent a wish for a long and healthy life. The red symbolizes vitality and happiness, while white stands for purity and peace.

Chitose Ame comes in decorative bags adorned with cranes and turtles, both symbols of long life in Japanese culture. Parents give the candy to their children after the shrine visit, creating a joyful and sweet moment that kids look forward to.

Family Photos and Memories

In today’s Japan, Shichi-Go-San has become a cherished opportunity for family portraits. Professional photo studios offer packages that include kimono rentals, hairstyling, and makeup. Some even provide outdoor sessions near shrines or gardens for a more natural aesthetic.

It’s not uncommon for parents or grandparents to also wear traditional clothing, making the day a generational celebration of family heritage. Many families preserve these photos as keepsakes for life, capturing a rare and beautiful blend of culture, joy, and togetherness.

Modern Celebrations: Blending Tradition and Convenience

While the official date is November 15, most families now celebrate on the closest weekend for convenience. Schools and kindergartens sometimes hold group Shichi-Go-San ceremonies too.

Urban areas like Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama often witness children in traditional attire traveling on trains or walking the streets with parents and photographers a delightful scene that paints the city in a festive spirit.

Some families also choose to dine together at Japanese restaurants, enjoying seasonal dishes like chirashi sushi, tempura, and wagashi sweets. It’s a day of gratitude, love, and good food all centered around the child.

The Emotional Essence of Shichi-Go-San

Beyond its customs, Shichi-Go-San reflects the Japanese philosophy of gratitude and impermanence. It reminds families to pause and appreciate how fast children grow and how fleeting these moments can be.

Parents pray not only for longevity but also for their children to grow into kind, responsible, and happy individuals. For many families, it’s also a moment to remember ancestors and express silent gratitude for the blessings passed down through generations.

Global Presence of Shichi-Go-San

With Japanese communities around the world, the festival has transcended national borders. Shrines and cultural centers in Hawaii, Los Angeles, London, and Paris hold Shichi-Go-San ceremonies for Japanese expatriates and their children. These global celebrations help preserve identity and introduce non-Japanese friends to the beauty of Japan’s cultural heritage.

The Shichi-Go-San Festival is more than an event; it’s an emotional journey. It celebrates the fragile yet beautiful process of growing up, the unspoken gratitude of parents, and Japan’s profound connection between family, culture, and spirituality.

As the world modernizes, Shichi-Go-San continues to shine as a living reminder that true prosperity lies not in wealth, but in health, love, and the passage of life itself.

FAQs

Q: What is the meaning of Shichi-Go-San?

• The term “Shichi-Go-San” (七五三) literally means “Seven-Five-Three.” It refers to the ages of the children being celebrated: three- and seven-year-old girls and three- and five-year-old boys. These ages are considered milestones in Japanese culture, representing important stages in a child’s growth and health.

Q: When is Shichi-Go-San celebrated in Japan?

• Shichi-Go-San is traditionally celebrated on November 15 each year. However, most families visit shrines on the nearest weekend for convenience, especially when both parents are working. This flexibility allows everyone to participate together while maintaining the tradition.

Q: Why are ages 3, 5, and 7 important?

In Japanese numerology, odd numbers are lucky because they symbolize vitality and cannot be divided evenly. Historically, reaching these ages was a significant achievement when childhood illnesses were common. Each age marks a transition:

• 3 years: Beginning of childhood and hair growth.

• 5 years: Boys wear hakama for the first time, symbolizing boyhood.

• 7 years: Girls wear the obi sash, marking independence and grace.

Q: What do children wear during the Shichi-Go-San Festival?

Children wear traditional Japanese clothing:

• Girls: Brightly patterned kimono, often paired with a hifu vest (for age 3) or a full obi sash (for age 7).

• Boys: Haori jackets and hakama trousers, typically in dark or neutral tones with family crests.
  Many families also mix traditional and modern attire for photo sessions.

Q: What is Chitose Ame, and why is it special?

• Chitose Ame (千歳飴) means “thousand-year candy.” It’s a long, thin red-and-white sweet symbolizing longevity and good fortune. The candy is given to children after their shrine visit, often in a decorative bag featuring cranes and turtles, both symbols of long life in Japanese culture.

Q: Do families still celebrate Shichi-Go-San today?

• Yes, absolutely. Despite modern lifestyles, Shichi-Go-San remains one of Japan’s most beloved family traditions. Families continue to visit Shinto shrines, take commemorative photos, and enjoy family meals to honor their children’s growth and happiness.

Q: Is Shichi-Go-San celebrated outside Japan?

• Yes. Japanese communities abroad, particularly in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, hold Shichi-Go-San ceremonies at local Shinto shrines or cultural centers. These events help Japanese families abroad maintain cultural connections and introduce their children to their heritage.

Q: What happens during the shrine ceremony?

• During the Shichi-Go-San ceremony, a Shinto priest offers prayers for the children’s well-being. Families bow, clap, and make offerings while receiving blessings and protective charms (omamori) for their child’s health, luck, and safety.

Q: What do families usually do after visiting the shrine?

• After the ceremony, families often visit photo studios for professional portraits, followed by a family lunch or dinner at traditional restaurants. The day ends with laughter, sweets, and gratitude, celebrating not only the child’s growth but also the love and effort of the entire family.

Q: Can tourists witness Shichi-Go-San celebrations?

• Yes, respectfully. Visitors in Japan during mid-November often see families dressed in colorful kimonos around famous shrines like Meiji Jingu (Tokyo) or Heian Shrine (Kyoto). While it’s a private family event, tourists can quietly observe and appreciate the cultural beauty.

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