Shichi Go San (Seven, Five, Three) Day is a festival day held on November 15th to celebrate the growth and well being of young children. It is not a national holiday, so it is generally celebrated on a weekend in November.
The start of this celebration goes back to the Heian Era (794-1185), when children's mortality rate was high due to illness. When children reached these milestone ages (3, 5, and 7), parents wanted to thank the gods for their growth. The tradition continues and families dress their children in kimono or nice clothing and go to the shrine or temple to take photos there or often at professional photo studios. It is a time to celebrate the happiness and growth of children.
That's a nice tradition!
ReplyDeleteFor tourists, November is a month when you have a lot of photo opportunities at shrines! The children are SO cute in their fine costumes.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a lovely celebration!
ReplyDeleteTo celebrate my 7th birthday, I was dressed in a beautiful Kimono and I went to visit a shrine.
ReplyDeleteAnother lovely Japanese tradition!
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