It’s always great to see a child grow.
I’m sure it’s the same all around the world, as it is in Japan as well.
Shichi-go-san is one of the most important festivals for Japanese children and also to their parents.
It is to celebrate the growth and well-being of young children that is held annually on November 15th.
It is not a national holiday, so it is generally observed on the weekend before and after the date instead.
If you were in Japan around this time of year, you might have seen kids wearing Kimono and walking around with their parents.
Shichi-go-san literally means seven, five, and three.
It is for seven years old girls, five years old boys, and three years old girls.
Children that age go to shrine near by with their parents and pray to their guardian god of good health, and to wish for the well being of their children.
I had an opportunity to attend the Shichi-go-san festival this year for my niece who turns seven years old.
A prayer at the shrine went on for about 20 minutes.
I thought it would be too hard for her to sit still through a prayer because I thought she was just a little girl.
However, to watch her sitting in seiza position (sitting straight up) and bowing whole time the prayer was going on, it made me proud and realize how she has grown up to a young lady.
The Kimono she wore is more than 50 years old.
It once was her grandmother’s, and passed down to her mother, to her aunt, and to her.
Every girl in the family wore the same kimono.
On the other hand, Chitose-ame is probably the main reason why children go to this festival.
It literally means thousand years candy that is long, thin, red and white candy, which symbolizes healthy growth and longevity.
Normally candy comes with a bag that has pictures of a crane and a turtle.
These characters represent long-lives in Japan.
After sitting still for almost half an hour wrapped tight in Kimono, children definitely look forward to this special treat.
Most of the family gather around for this event and have a big lunch after visiting the shrine.
After all, shichi-go-san gives a great reason to get together and to spend some quality time for family.
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