If you know your Japanese, you know that shichi-go-san means 7-5-3. This celebration falls on November 15th and is a celebration for boys that have reached their 3rd or 5th birthday, and for girls who have reached their 5th or 7th birthday. A ritual from the Edo period samurai class is observed on this day as the little children dress up and pay their respects at a local shrine. The original festival included rites of passage such as boys and girls aged 3 could grow their hair long, boys aged five could wear a hakama (a style of skirt worn by men), and girls aged seven would be given obi instead of rope to tie their kimono.

Sadly, like festivals in the west, this festival has been hit by mass commercialism. Many people feel that the ceremonies have lost meaning amongst the drive for profits and should be abandoned or have the commercial aspects toned down. Regardless, this festival will survive as parent’s affection for their children and want of  their success continues.

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