Shichi-Go-San

October 15, Wednesday

Hokkaido

November 15, Saturday

Aichi, Chiba, Ehime, Hiroshima, Ishikawa, Kagoshima, Kochi, Kyoto, Mie, Nagasaki, Nara, Oita, Osaka, Saga, Saitama, Tokushima, Tokyo, Toyama, Akita, Aomori, Wakayama, Gifu, Gunma, Ibaraki, Iwate, Kagawa, Kanagawa, Kumamoto, Miyagi, Miyazaki, Nagano, Niigata, Okayama, Okinawa, Shiga, Shizuoka, Shimane, Tochigi, Tottori, Fukui, Fukuoka, Fukushima, Hyogo, Yamagata, Yamaguchi, Yamanashi

Shichi-Go-San
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Shichi-Go-San is a traditional Japanese festival dedicated to children aged three, five, and seven. It is celebrated annually on November 15 (in cold Hokkaido — a month earlier, by October 15) and is an important family ceremony symbolizing the growth, health, and well-being of the child.

History of the festival
The Shichi-Go-San festival (“Seven-Five-Three”) has ancient roots dating back to the Heian period (794–1185). At that time, aristocratic families held ceremonies to mark important stages of a child’s growth. Later, the tradition spread to all social classes and acquired a religious aspect: families began visiting Shinto shrines to pray for the health of their children.

Significance of the festival
The numbers 3, 5, and 7 are considered lucky in Japan and are associated with well-being and fortune.

* At age three, children were allowed to grow their hair for the first time after it had previously been shaved for health reasons.
* At age five, boys wore traditional hakama for the first time — wide trousers symbolizing the transition to boyhood.
* At age seven, girls were allowed to wear obi for the first time — a wide sash for the kimono symbolizing femininity and maturity.

Celebration traditions
Modern Japanese families celebrate Shichi-Go-San as follows:

* parents and children dress in traditional kimono or formal suits;
* families visit Shinto shrines to receive blessings for the child’s health and long life;
* after the ceremony, family photo sessions and festive meals are organized;
* children receive sweets, especially chitose-ame — long candies in colorful bags symbolizing longevity and happiness.

Interesting facts

* Although the official date is November 15, many families choose the nearest weekend to hold the ceremony.
* Chitose-ame candies are sold only during this period and are considered an essential element of the festival.
* Shichi-Go-San is not a national holiday, but it has enormous cultural and emotional significance for Japanese families.

Conclusion
Shichi-Go-San is not just a day dedicated to children; it is an important ritual that unites tradition, faith, and family values. It symbolizes parental love, care, and hope for a happy and healthy future for their children.

Shichi-Go-San

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Shichi-Go-San in other years

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