Japanese children and their mothers dress in their finest clothes when
they go to a shrine to celebrate Shichi-Go-San.
Seven-five-three
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| Shichi-Go-San | Seven-five-three |
| | |
| November 15 | In Japan, children who are three, five, or |
| | seven years old are thought to be especially |
| | fortunate. So, on November 15, families who |
| | have children of these ages take part in a very |
| | old festival. |
| | |
| | This special children’s festival is called |
| | Shichi-Go-San, or “Seven-Five-Three.” It is |
| | for boys and girls who are three or five or |
| | seven years old. |
| | |
| | On this day, the children dress in their finest |
| | clothes. Some wear Western-style clothes. |
| | Others follow the old customs. They wear their |
| | traditional kimonos, which are beautiful, |
| | brightly colored robes made of cotton or silk. |
| | And every child has a long, |
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narrow paper bag. On each colorfully decorated bag there are pictures,
usually of a pine tree, a tortoise, and a crane. These are symbols of
youth and long life.
When everyone is ready, the families go to a shrine, or place of
worship. There, they give thanks for the good health of the children.
They also ask for a blessing for the future health and happiness of the
children.
Outside the shrine, there are stalls where the parents buy candy and
toys to fill the children’s paper bags. After the families return home,
the children give some of their candy to visiting friends and relatives.
In return, the children are often given gifts. Finally, the day may end
with a party.
Truly Shichi-Go-San is a very special day for a child of three, or
five, or seven!
On Shichi-Go-San, the children get bags of candy. The symbols on the
bags stand for youth and long life.
