Shichi Go San
Shichi go san is a Japanese festival celebrated for children aged 7, 5 and 3. The official date is November 15th, however, many Tokyo families will hold their festivities on the closest weekend either before or after the official date. Shichi go san is not a national holiday on the Japanese calendar, so it's easier for families to get together on Saturday and Sunday.
History of Shichi Go San
This childrens' festival dates back to the Heian Period in Japan (794 - 1185). The event has some very traditional roots and rituals that are associated with the customs of Japanese society at different times in history. In particular, during the era of the samurai, children would have their heads shaved at birth. On reaching 3 years of age on Shichi go san they celebrated 'kamioki', which meant they were finally allowed to grow their hair.
It is no longer customary for children to have their heads shaved in this way, but the tradition that marks this occasion lives on. On November 15th, both boys and girls who are 3 years old will make their first debut at their local shrine wearing traditional Japanese clothes.
One of my favorite Tokyo sights during any of these festivals is seeing children and their parents on their way to their special occasion. Beautiful kimonos and smiles on the Tokyo train are enough to brighten anyone's day.
Boys of 5 and Girls of 7
Shichi go san is again celebrated when boys are 5 and girls are 7. For the boys the celebration is known as 'hakamagi-no-gi'. This is the first time they will wear their official 'hakama', formal Japanese trousers.
In modern times this custom is changing somewhat and, especially in Tokyo, rather than wearing Japanese style clothes, many boys are suited and booted for the occasion. What my mum would have called Sunday best.
For girls, the second time they celebrate shichi go san is when they are 7 years old. Traditionally this event is known as 'obitoki-no-gi'. The girls wear the traditional 'obi' for the first time around their kimono rather than simple cords. They will also get one of their first tastes of the glamorous side of being female with hair and make-up being part of the ritual. Trust me, they look gorgeous by the time they arrive at the shrine.
7 5 3 Day
In English, the translation of shichi go san is literally 7 5 3. The celebration was named after the ages when boys and girls make these important first visits to their local shrine. If you're in Tokyo and have the chance to visit Meiji Shrine in Harajuku on the weekend closest to this date, make sure to take your camera. Thousands of proud parents descend with their little ones dressed up to the nines. There really are some classic photo moments to be had.
Chitose-ame
Finally, on shichi go san, you're also likely to see children carrying bags decorated with turtles and cranes stuffed with red and white candy sticks. The turtles and cranes symbolize a healthy and long life in Japanese culture whilst the sticks of candy are made from the luckiest colors. As part of the tradition, many parents still pray for the wellbeing of their children during this annual festival.
