Shichi Go San Meaning: Why Japanese Families Celebrate Ages 3, 5, and 7

Shichi Go San (七五三) literally translates to “seven-five-three” in Japanese. This traditional celebration honors children who have reached the significant ages of three, five, and seven. The core meaning of Shichi Go San is to celebrate the healthy growth and development of young children while praying for their continued well-being.

As one of Japan’s most beloved childhood traditions, this ceremony beautifully blends ancient customs with modern family celebrations. If you’re curious about Japanese cultural practices or planning to participate in this special event, understanding the Shichi Go San meaning will help you appreciate the depth and significance behind this cherished tradition.

The Historical Roots of Shichi Go San

The origins of the Shichi Go San tradition date back to the Heian period (794-1185), when child mortality rates were significantly higher than today. This celebration emerged as a way to mark important milestones in a child’s development and express gratitude for their survival to these auspicious ages.

The Shichi Go San meaning is deeply connected to three distinct customs that eventually merged into one celebration:

• At age three: Both boys and girls were allowed to grow out their hair after previously keeping it short in a toddler style
• At age five: Boys were considered mature enough to wear hakama (traditional pleated trousers)
• At age seven: Girls began wearing a proper obi (kimono sash) instead of simple cords

These age milestones weren’t chosen randomly. In Japanese culture, odd numbers are considered lucky, and these particular ages represented significant transitions in a child’s life. By age seven, a child was considered to have secured the benevolence of the gods and officially joined society as an ujiko (parishioner) of their local shrine.

When and How Is Shichi Go San Celebrated?

Traditionally observed on November 15th, Shichi Go San has evolved to accommodate modern family schedules. Today, many families visit shrines on weekends before or after this date, creating a festive atmosphere throughout much of November.

The celebration typically includes:

1. The Shrine Visit

Families dressed in their finest attire visit a Shinto shrine, where priests perform special blessing ceremonies. Parents express gratitude for their child’s health and pray for continued protection and prosperity.

As noted in our article on Japanese Funerals, many Japanese traditions involve special shrine visits to mark life’s significant transitions.

2. Traditional Attire

Though not required, many families dress their children in traditional Japanese clothing for this special occasion:

• Three-year-old girls: Wear a kimono with shoulder tucks and a special vest called hifu
• Seven-year-old girls: Dress in standard kimono with an obi sash
• Five-year-old boys: Wear hakama (pleated trousers) and a decorative haori (jacket)

For families who don’t own these traditional garments, rental services at department stores and specialized shops offer complete outfits, along with hair styling and makeup services.

3. Commemorative Photography

A crucial part of modern Shichi Go San celebrations involves professional photography sessions to capture this milestone. Similar to how we discussed the importance of ceremonial documentation in our article on The Most Common Japanese Dialect, these photographs preserve cultural moments for generations.

4. Special Treats: Chitose Ame

No Shichi Go San celebration would be complete without chitose ame (千歳飴), or “thousand-year candy.” These long, thin red and white candies symbolize longevity and good fortune. The candy’s stretchy nature represents growth, while the red and white colors (kōhaku) are traditional Japanese celebratory colors.

Children receive these candies in distinctive decorated bags featuring auspicious symbols like turtles, cranes, and pine trees – all emblems of long life in Japanese culture.

The Modern Evolution of Shichi Go San

Like many traditions in Japan, Shichi Go San has adapted to contemporary lifestyles while maintaining its core meaning. Some modern developments include:

• Extended family celebrations: Photo packages designed specifically for grandparents and multi-generational photos
• Luxury experiences: Special overnight hotel packages that include shrine visits and photo sessions
• Simplified options: Some families choose to only do the photo session without the shrine visit
• Western fusion: Children sometimes wear Western formal attire instead of traditional Japanese clothing

This evolution mirrors what we explored in our piece on Snack Bar Japan Culture, showing how Japanese traditions often blend traditional elements with modern conveniences.

The Deeper Significance of Shichi Go San

Beyond the beautiful clothing and sweet treats, the Shichi Go San meaning encompasses several important cultural values:

1. Gratitude for life: In earlier eras when child mortality was high, reaching these ages was truly something to celebrate
2. Recognition of growth stages: The ceremony acknowledges important developmental milestones
3. Community integration: The shrine visit symbolizes the child’s place within the community and spiritual world
4. Parental hopes: The celebration embodies parents’ universal wishes for their children’s health, happiness, and success

As we’ve discussed in our article on Japanese College Uniforms, many Japanese traditions mark important life transitions with specific clothing and ceremonies.

Celebrating Shichi Go San Outside Japan

For Japanese families living abroad, maintaining the Shichi Go San tradition provides a meaningful connection to their cultural heritage. Many Japanese cultural centers and communities worldwide organize Shichi Go San events, allowing families to celebrate even far from Japan.

If you’re interested in Japanese cultural practices, learning about traditions like Shichi Go San can deepen your appreciation for the rich tapestry of Japanese customs. Our Learn Japanese page offers free guides to help you better understand these cultural nuances alongside the language.

Tips for Families Celebrating Shichi Go San

If you’re planning to participate in this special tradition, here are some helpful suggestions:

• Book photography sessions early: Professional photographers get booked quickly during November
• Consider comfort: Traditional kimono can be restrictive for young children, so plan accordingly
• Research shrines: Some shrines offer special Shichi Go San ceremonies with English support
• Preserve the memory: Beyond photos, consider keeping a small memento like the chitose ame bag as a keepsake
• Explain the meaning: Help older children understand the significance of the celebration they’re participating in

Q&A About Shichi Go San

What is the meaning of Shichi Go San?
Shichi Go San means “seven-five-three” and celebrates children reaching the ages of three, five, and seven in Japan.

Which children participate in Shichi Go San?
Three and seven-year-old girls and five-year-old boys traditionally participate in the Shichi Go San celebration.

When is Shichi Go San celebrated?
Shichi Go San is traditionally observed on November 15th, though many families celebrate on convenient weekends in November.

Is Shichi Go San still popular in modern Japan?
Yes, Shichi Go San remains widely celebrated in Japan, though the format has evolved to include modern elements like professional photography alongside traditional shrine visits.

What is the significance of chitose ame candy?
Chitose ame (thousand-year candy) symbolizes longevity and health, with its long, stretched form representing growth and the red and white colors representing celebration.

Embracing Japanese Traditions

Understanding the Shichi Go San meaning provides a wonderful window into Japanese culture and its celebration of childhood milestones. This cherished tradition exemplifies how Japan honors its cultural heritage while adapting to contemporary lifestyles.

Whether you’re planning to participate in Shichi Go San or simply interested in Japanese customs, this celebration reveals the deep importance placed on children’s well-being and development in Japanese society.

For more insights into Japanese culture and language, explore our Learn Japanese resources, where you’ll find free guides to enhance your knowledge and appreciation of Japan’s rich cultural landscape.

Have you ever participated in or witnessed a Shichi Go San celebration? Share your experiences in the comments below!