Shichi-Go-San

japan · tradition · celebration · growing up

Special birthday ages. Shichi-Go-San celebrates three- and seven-year-old girls and five-year-old boys (and sometimes three-year-old boys too). These ages were chosen long ago because they were thought to be important milestones in a child's life.

Fancy kimono outfits. Children wear beautiful traditional silk kimono for this celebration, with girls often in bright, colorful patterns and boys in formal hakama pants and jackets. Families spend time getting everyone dressed up and taking special photos.

November 15th tradition. Shichi-Go-San happens every year on November 15, and families celebrate on that day or the nearest weekend. The date was chosen centuries ago and has stayed the same ever since.

Temple blessings and candy. Families visit local Shinto shrines to pray for their children's good health and happiness. Priests bless the children, and they receive special candy called chitose-ame, which means 'thousand-year candy' and symbolizes a long, healthy life.

Celebrating growth. This festival is all about recognizing that children are growing up and healthy. Families gather to acknowledge how much their kids have changed and to hope for their continued well-being.