Shichi Go San
Shichi Go San is an annual festival held in the 15th of November. This festival celebrates the growth of children as they turn 3, 5 and 7. Shichi Go San literally means 7-3-5, and are considered critical dates in a young child's life.
It started in the Heian period (794-1185) where noble people celebrated the growth of their children on a special day in November. It was set on the fifteenth during the Kamakura period (1185-1333). Shogun Tsunayoshi Tokugawa was said to be celebrating the growth of his son. On the 15th of November each year families go to a shrine called Shinto shrine and are blessed by their families. At the Rite of Kamioki, parents bring their 3 year old children, both boys and girls, to a local shrine where they are blessed. The Rite of Hakamagi is where 5 year old boys are given Hakama (shirt like pants) to wear for the first time. This rite is said to be the boys crossing into adulthood. Seven year old girls wear a special ceremonial kimono to their Shichi Go San visit. After the visit to the shrine, parents buy chitose-ame (longevity/1000 year candy) for the children, which is said to represent a thousand years of happiness. By Willow |