Shichi-Go-San (七五三) is an annual celebration in Japan celebrated on November 15th. This festival celebrates when children turn the ages of 3, 5 and 7.
Table of Contents
- What is “Shichi-Go-San”?
- Origins of Shichi-Go-San
- Significance of Ages 3, 5 and 7
- The 3 Ceremonies of Shichi-Go-San
- How to Celebrate Shichi-Go-San
- What to Wear to Shichi-Go-San
What is “Shichi-Go-San”?
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Shichi-Go-San (七五三), meaning "Seven-Five-Three," is a traditional Japanese celebration to give thanks for the healthy growth of children and to pray for their continued health. This coming-of-age festival is held annually on November 15, and it focuses on children aged 3, 5 and 7 because they are considered pivotal milestones in a child's development in Japan.
On Shichi-Go-San, children aged 3, 5 and 7 wear pretty kimonos and visit a shrine with their parents and grandparents who also dress in formal attire and sometimes travel from afar for the event.
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Origins of Shichi-Go-San
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There are various theories about the origins of Shichi-Go-San. One of the theories is that it is based on three ceremonies that were practised during the Heian period by the Imperial Court at a time when infant mortality was high due to lower hygiene awareness and the lack of medical development. As such, it was a blessing that children were able to live till the ages of 3, 5 and 7 which were considered significant milestones. Prayers and gratitudes were given to the gods and children who reached the age of 7 were considered full-fledged adults, transitioning from being “children of god”.
The practice of giving thanks to the gods for children’s health and wellbeing spread to the samurai and merchant class during the Edo period. According to historical records, the 5th Tokugawa Shogun, worried about his son, went to the shrine to pray on November 15th (because it was an auspicious day) when his eldest son turned 5 years old. Incidentally, adding up the numbers 3, 5 and 7 equals 15. With this, November 15th became established as a day to be thankful for the healthy growth of children and to pray for their continued health.
During the Meiji Period, the practice spread to the common people, and the day became known as “Shichi-Go-San”. The current form of Shichi-Go-San is said to have been established post-Taisho period.
Significance of Ages 3, 5 and 7 in Japan
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The celebration of Shichi-Go-San came to be called “Shichi-Go-San” during the Meiji Period when it became popular among the common masses. Shichi (七) meaning 7, Go (五) meaning 5, and San (三) meaning 3 representing the ages of children to celebrate. But why exactly are these ages so significant?
It is believed that these ages are important milestones, turning points for children that mark their maturity:
- At age 3, a child understands language.
- At age 5, a child starts to gain wisdom.
- At age 7, a child’s baby teeth grow in.
Age 7 in particular is extremely important and marks a great age for celebration. When a child turns 7, he/she is no longer a “child of God” but a fully mature human being of this world. Traditionally, many regions place great importance on the ceremony for turning 7 in the Shichi-Go-San festival.
The 3 Ceremonies of Shichi-Go-San
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The celebration of Shichi-Go-San is centred around the 3 ceremonies that have been passed down since the Heian period, back when the festival was yet to be known as “Shichi-Go-San”.
Age 3: Girls and Boys - Kamioki (髪置)
Both boys and girls participate in Shichi-Go-San at the age of three. In ancient Japan, children kept shaved heads until they were 3 years old. This age traditionally marks the time when children are allowed to grow out their hair, symbolising their move away from infancy.
The Kamioki is a ceremony where a white cotton hat is placed on the child’s head symbolising living a long life until their hair turns white.
Age 5: Boys - Hakamagi (袴着)
Originally both boys and girls participated in the Hakamagi ceremony, but since the Edo period, it became a ceremony for boys only. The ceremony marks the transition into boyhood.
At 5 years old, boys would don hakama (formal trousers) for the first time. The ceremony begins with standing on a go board while facing an auspicious direction, and putting on the hakama from the left leg.
Age 7: Girls - Obitoki (帯解)
Also originally held by both boys and girls, this ceremony also became one for girls only during the Edo period.
At 7 years old, girls are now old enough to wear an obi with their kimono. During the ceremony for Obitoki, girls remove the simple cords on their kimonos and tie on an obi sash for the first time.
How to Celebrate Shichi-Go-San
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Shichi-Go-San is celebrated on November 15th annually. Once limited to the aristocracy, it is now a tradition celebrated by all. Shichi-Go-San is celebrated with…
Shrine Visits
On or around November 15, families take their children to a shrine to receive blessings and to give thanks. Children wear traditional kimono, and families offer prayers for continued health and prosperity.
Photography
It’s common for families to have professional photos taken of their children in their elaborate kimonos.
Chitose Ame (千歳飴)
Children are also given Chitose Ame, meaning “Thousand Year Old Candy”. It is a long candy stick that is white, pink or red in colour in a bag shaped like a crane or turtle. The candy and bag carries wishes for longevity, success and wealth.
Kimono and Costumes
Traditional clothing is a hallmark of the celebration. Girls wear colourful kimonos, often adorned with intricate patterns, while boys wear hakama.
What to Wear to Shichi-Go-San
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Formal wear is recommended for parents, children and family members attending Shichi-Go-San due to the importance of the ceremony whereby one appears before god. The kimonos worn by children for Shichi-Go-San vary based on the child’s age and gender.
3 Year Old Girls: Hifu (被布) and Kimono
Hifu is a type of upper garment, a sleeveless padded vest, worn over a kimono. On its collar, there are decorations called Hifukazari (被布飾). The kimono usually features bright festive patterns such as flowers or traditional motifs.
3 and 5 Year Old Boys: Hakama (袴)
Hakama is a pleated skirt-like trousers worn over a kimono top. The kimono typically features a family crest and subdued patterns, giving a more formal look. A Haori (羽織), short coat, is also worn, often decorated with symbols of good fortune like cranes or tortoises.
7 Year Old Girls: Furisode (振袖)
Furisode is a long-sleeved kimono for women. An obi (帯), belt, is tied around the waist of the kimono. Since children grow quickly, it isn’t practical to buy a new kimono every year. As such, the shoulder and waist part of the kimono is folded up to fit their bodies. This way, the Furisode can be worn for many years.
When wearing traditional Japanese clothing, it is common to wear tabi socks and zori sandals. It can be difficult to walk when dressed in unfamiliar clothing and shoes, so families with small children may choose to wear traditional Japanese clothing for Shichi-Go-San photoshoots and Western suits and dresses for the shrine visit.
Parents’ Clothing
Since the focus of Shichi-Go-San is on the children, parents and attending family members tend to dress conspicuously so that the children can stand out more.
Mothers would wear dresses or formal suits which are easy to move in, though some mothers also choose to wear traditional clothing to match their children. In which case, a semi-formal, formal or plain-coloured kimono is recommended.
As for fathers, the most commonly worn attire is suits. A dark coloured work suit such as navy or dark grey, but not black, with a simple but vibrant tie works best.
To Close
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Shichi-Go-San is a traditional celebration that celebrates a child’s growth through the milestones of ages 3, 5 and 7. In Japan, most grandmothers and mothers have a Shichi-Go-San photo featuring their beloved children and/or grandchildren. Next time you meet your Japanese friends, ask to have a look at their Shichi-Go-San photo.
