In Japan, festivals are more than just events, they are a beautiful blend of tradition, culture, and reflection. Among the many cherished celebrations, Shichi-Go-San, observed annually on November 15, stands out as a significant children’s festival. This day honors the growth of children and expresses gratitude for their health and well-being. Let's explore this unique tradition and its meaning.
Shichi-Go-San, literally translating to "Seven-Five-Three," is a traditional Japanese celebration that takes place on November 15th. The name derives from the ages of the children being celebrated—three-year-olds, five-year-olds, and seven-year-olds. The festival marks the milestone of children reaching these key ages, each of which is seen as a significant stage in a child's growth and development.
3-year-olds: Traditionally, this is the age when children stop wearing their "hifu" (a traditional kimono), symbolizing their transition into early childhood.
5-year-olds: Boys celebrate by wearing a hakama (a traditional Japanese garment) to mark the transition into the next phase of childhood.
7-year-olds: Girls celebrate by wearing a beautiful kimono, symbolizing the transition into becoming a young lady.
Shichi-Go-San originated over a thousand years ago, though its practices have evolved over time. In ancient Japan, it was believed that children were susceptible to illness and misfortune until they reached a certain age. Celebrating these ages was a way to give thanks for their health and to wish for a bright future.
The festival also has deep roots in the traditional Japanese belief in the spiritual significance of numbers. Seven, five, and three are all considered lucky numbers, and these milestones represent stages of protection, growth, and fortune.
Visiting Shrines: One of the most important rituals of Shichi-Go-San is visiting a Shinto shrine. Families often take their children dressed in beautiful, traditional clothing to pray for their good health and success. At the shrine, children may receive blessings from a priest, along with prayers for their protection and happiness.
Chitose Ame: A key part of the celebration is the Chitose Ame, or "thousand-year candy." This special candy is given to children as a symbol of longevity and good health. The candy comes in long, thin sticks, symbolizing a long life and prosperity, and is often packaged in a decorative bag, sometimes featuring pictures of cranes or turtles, both of which are symbols of longevity in Japanese culture.
Family Gatherings: In addition to visiting the shrine, Shichi-Go-San is a time for families to come together. Parents, grandparents, and relatives celebrate the children and reflect on their growth. Many families also host small gatherings or take photographs to remember the special day.
Dressing in Traditional Attire: On Shichi-Go-San, children typically wear traditional Japanese clothing. Boys may wear a hifu (a robe-like garment) and hakama (a pleated skirt-like garment), while girls wear a beautiful kimono. These outfits are often passed down through generations, adding to the sentimental value of the occasion.
While Shichi-Go-San is deeply rooted in Japanese tradition, the celebration has evolved in modern times. In today's Japan, the occasion is often a photo opportunity, with many families opting for professional photographers to capture the children in their traditional attire. The festival has also become more commercialized, with photographers, clothing stores, and even theme parks offering special Shichi-Go-San packages.
Despite these changes, the core values of the festival remain the same: celebrating growth, expressing gratitude for health, and wishing for a bright future for the children.
Though Shichi-Go-San is a uniquely Japanese celebration, the cultural importance of celebrating children's growth can be seen in many parts of the world. In some countries, similar celebrations are held at different ages to mark important stages in a child's life, reinforcing the universal desire to honor and nurture children’s well-being.
For those living outside Japan, this festival provides an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Japanese culture and the importance of children's milestones. It is a reminder that every child's growth is a cause for celebration, and taking time to recognize these moments can help foster stronger family bonds and positive futures.
Shichi-Go-San is a meaningful celebration of the journey of childhood. By honoring the growth of children at three, five, and seven years old, families express their gratitude for the health and happiness of their loved ones while looking forward to the bright futures that lie ahead.
This beautiful tradition reminds us all to celebrate the small milestones in our lives and the lives of those we care about. After all, every step in a child's growth is worth celebrating!
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