Every year on November 15, temples and shrines across Japan are filled with colorful family scenes. The reason is Shichi-Go-San (七五三), a traditional Japanese festival dedicated to celebrating the healthy growth of children aged 3, 5, and 7. This special day is an opportunity for families to pray for their children’s happiness and well-being, following a centuries-old tradition that remains vibrant in Japanese culture.
1. Origins and History of Shichi-Go-San 📜
The history of Shichi-Go-San dates back to the Heian period (794-1185), when Japanese nobility celebrated their children’s growth through rituals marking important life stages. These ceremonies, including symbolic gestures and formal attire, represented the transition from early childhood to new developmental stages. During the Edo period (1603-1868), this custom spread to the general population, and it eventually became a widely celebrated family tradition in Japan.
2. Why Ages 3, 5, and 7? 🎂
In Japanese tradition, ages 3, 5, and 7 are particularly meaningful. Each of these ages represents a milestone in a child’s life, reflecting both physical and emotional development. Here’s what each age symbolizes:
- 3 years: In ancient times, young children’s heads were often shaved, but at 3 years old, they were allowed to grow their hair, symbolizing a new stage in their development.
- 5 years: At this age, boys receive their first hakama, a traditional two-piece garment, marking a step toward maturity.
- 7 years: Girls receive permission to wear the formal obi (sash) with their kimono, a sign of growing up and a shift in their identity.
Alternative Theory: The Primal Triad of Childhood Growth 🔢
While the traditional explanation of 3, 5, and 7 being milestones in childhood growth makes sense, there is another intriguing theory based on the symbolism of prime numbers in Japanese culture.
Hypothesis: The Primal Triad of Childhood Growth
In this theory, the ages 3, 5, and 7 are seen as symbolic “stepping stones” in the development of a child’s life. These ages align with prime numbers—3, 5, and 7—numbers which are indivisible by any other number except for 1 and themselves, suggesting purity, uniqueness, and a more symbolic progression of growth.
The Role of Prime Numbers in Japanese Culture
Prime numbers are considered significant in many cultures, symbolizing indivisibility and uniqueness. In this theory, the numbers 3, 5, and 7 represent critical stages in a child’s development, each considered a “pure” or “singular” milestone. The number 2, though also a prime, is considered “even” and more divisible, which in this theory might symbolize a less “pure” stage of development. Therefore, the number 2 is not part of this ritual celebration.
The Three Numbers as Symbols of Protection and Development
In mathematics, small prime numbers are the fundamental building blocks. Similarly, 3, 5, and 7 can be seen as “blocks” in the development of a child:
- 3: The start of individuality and social connection (as the child grows their hair).
- 5: Affirmation of identity and the first sign of responsibility (boys wear hakama, becoming future protectors of the family).
- 7: The transition to a more mature social identity (girls wear the obi, symbolizing preparation and femininity).
Each of these prime numbers represents a fundamental “state” of development, and the odd numbers symbolize the singularity of each stage. On the other hand, even numbers, like 2, would represent a state of stability that doesn’t necessarily require a ritual celebration.
The Symbolism of the Triad in Japanese Spirituality
In Japanese culture, odd numbers, especially 3, are often considered lucky. The theory proposes that the combination of 3, 5, and 7 forms a “growth triad,” representing the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of a child’s development. This triad mirrors the past (3, where the child is just starting to grow), the present (5, where they take on more responsibility), and the future (7, where they step into a more defined societal role).
3. How It’s Celebrated Today 🎎
Today, Shichi-Go-San remains a significant event in the lives of Japanese children. Families often dress their children in traditional attire: girls wear vibrant kimonos with beautiful colors and patterns, while boys wear the haori and hakama. They then visit a shrine or temple, where priests perform a brief blessing ceremony to ensure the child’s future health and happiness.
In popular locations like Tokyo’s Meiji Jingu Shrine or Fushimi Inari in Kyoto, it’s common to see families taking photos to capture this special moment. Although Shichi-Go-San is not a public holiday, many families celebrate it on the closest weekend, enjoying the festive atmosphere in the temples.
4. The Symbolic Chitose-Ame 🍬
One of the most distinctive elements of Shichi-Go-San is Chitose-Ame (千歳飴), a long, thin candy given to children for the occasion. The name “Chitose” means “thousand years,” symbolizing wishes for a long, prosperous life for the child. These candies are typically packaged in bags decorated with cranes and turtles, two symbols of longevity in Japanese culture. Families see Chitose-Ame as a good luck charm, and it’s common to see children posing with them in Shichi-Go-San photographs.
5. Cultural and Family Significance 👨👩👧👦
Shichi-Go-San is a deeply meaningful occasion for Japanese families. Beyond the sweets and traditional attire, this day is an opportunity to express gratitude for the health and growth of children and to strengthen family bonds. By participating in these traditions, Japanese families reinforce their respect for life’s cycles and the transitions children make as they grow, a core value in Japanese culture.
6. Tips for Foreign Visitors 🌏
If you’re in Japan in November and want to experience Shichi-Go-San, here are some tips to enjoy it respectfully:
- Visit shrines: The weekends closest to November 15 are the best times to see families celebrating. It’s a great chance to observe the traditional outfits and enjoy a unique atmosphere.
- Be respectful: Shichi-Go-San is a private, family-oriented occasion, so make sure to be discreet and respectful of families as you observe the ceremonies.
- Consider a traditional photo session: Some shrines, such as Meiji Jingu in Tokyo, offer kimono rentals and photos. This can be a fun way for visitors to connect with the culture and understand the importance of these traditions.
Shichi-Go-San is a unique festival that allows Japanese families to celebrate milestones in their children’s lives. From traditional attire to symbolic Chitose-Ame candies, every detail of Shichi-Go-San is filled with history and meaning. If you’re lucky enough to be in Japan in November, be sure to visit a shrine and experience this beautiful tradition that honors children’s growth and well-being.
