Shichi-Go-San literally means seven-five-three in Japanese and celebrates children at these ages. On November 15th, or in recent times it's as close to this date as families can, Shinto shrines and temples are swarmed with families with young children to celebrate their healthy growth and to pray for a happy future. Girls are dressed in traditional kimono while the boys don traditional hakama. The 15th was chosen as the day to celebrate because it is the sum of these three ages and on top of that, odd numbers are considered lucky in Japan so the 15th is an especially auspicious date.
This celebration dates back to the days of the Heian period, stretching from 794 to 1185 when infant mortality was high and parents had to wait until their children reached age three before they could register them as a new family member. The next two lucky number ages (5 and 7) were then also celebrated as a way to thank the gods for bringing them good health. This time period also saw special ceremonies held at each age. The first one, called Kamioki, was focused on the three-year-old's hair. From the time the baby is born until they turn three, the child's hair is kept shaved at all times and once they're three years old, they're allowed to grow their hair out. Hakamagi was the second ceremony specifically for boys turning five years old. During this ceremony boys donned the traditional hakama for the first time, which symbolized their new roles and responsibilities. The last ceremony, for 7 years old girls, was when they transitioned from a simple cord to tie their kimono to a more ornate and difficult to tie Obi sash.
Nowadays, families schedule shrine and temple visits on or around November 15th with a professional photographer and their children are photographed in these traditional clothes. Chitose-ame, a traditional candy, is still sold at shrines and temples to commemorate the occasion. Sticking to Japan's unique ability to combine new and old traditions together, these candies are shaped like a long stick which symbolizes longevity and often the chitose-ame are sold in bags adorned with images of turtles and cranes, both of which represent good fortune and longevity.
If you're in Japan on November 15th, keep your eyes peeled for families out and about in traditional clothing, but please don't photograph children (or anyone really, but especially children) unless you ask and are given permission to do so! For the families that participate, enjoy your day and let us know if there's anything else you do to celebrate!
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