Shichigosan – Seven-Five-Three Day

Posted by Kyle Yates in Kansai Culture

Shichigosan known in English as Seven-Five-Three Day is celebrated on November 15th for children, both boys and girls, who are ages 7, 5 and 3.

Children at these ages are thought to be especially lucky. Boys and girls dress in their best traditional kimonos or Western-style clothing and go to shrines or a place of worship with family members where they pray for good health and growth.

The kimonos are usually brightly-colored and made of silk or cotton. Some kimonos are worth hundreds of dollars. Children carry colorful bags that usually have pictures of a pine tree, a tortoise, and a crane, which are symbols of youth and long life.

The bags are made of paper and used to carry candy and toys given by friends and family. To end of the day, families gather together usually for an elaborate dinner.