Shichi-Go-San

Origins and history

The custom began among court nobles during the Heian era to mark childhood transitions. Some historians link its roots to the Muromachi period, noting high infant mortality rates made survival a cause for celebration. Odd numbers hold lucky significance in East Asian numerology. The date settled on November 15 after Shogun Tsunayoshi held rites for his son on that day. Samurai classes later adopted the practice, adding specific rituals for each age group.

Rituals and attire

Children wear formal kimono for the first time during these visits. Three-year-old girls typically add a padded vest called hifu. Five-year-old boys don hakama trousers and haori jackets, symbolizing new responsibilities. Seven-year-old girls tie an obi sash, marking a shift toward womanhood. Modern families also take photographs to capture the occasion. While older hair-shaving customs have faded, the shrine visit remains central for blessing the child's path ahead.

Sweets and symbols

Families give chitose ame, or thousand-year candy, to the honored children. These long, thin sweets come in red and white wrappers. They represent wishes for a long and healthy life. The treats are often packaged in bags decorated with cranes and turtles. Both animals are traditional symbols of longevity in Japanese culture. Sharing this candy reinforces the community's hope for the child's future prosperity and safety.

How Shichi-Go-San is kept

Parents dress their children in formal kimono and visit a local shrine. Three-year-old girls wear a hifu vest, while five-year-old boys wear hakama and haori. Seven-year-old girls tie an obi sash. Families receive chitose ame for good health. Many take photos to remember the milestone. The event usually happens on the weekend closest to November 15.

When and where

The festival falls on November 15 each year. Since it is not a public holiday, most families attend on the nearest Saturday or Sunday. Some use traditional age counting methods, shifting the celebration to different calendar years.

This tradition is practiced throughout Japan. Major cities like Tokyo host many celebrations at local shrines. The custom originated in the imperial court before spreading to samurai and commoners across the country.

What Shichi-Go-San means

The ages three, five, and seven reflect beliefs about lucky odd numbers. The clothing marks significant developmental steps. The hakama shows a boy's readiness for duty. The obi signals a girl's growing maturity. The candy and animal imagery express deep hopes for longevity and protection from illness.

On the table

• Chitose ame

Shichi-Go-San dates: 2026, 2027, 2028

Questions people ask about Shichi-Go-San

See also

HinamatsuriA March festival in Japan where families display ornamental dolls to pray for the health and happiness of young girls.HalloweenAn annual observance on 31 October marking the eve of All Saints' Day, rooted in Christian tradition and Celtic heritageHanamiA Japanese spring custom of gathering under blooming cherry trees to eat, drink, and celebrate the fleeting beauty of thKrishna JanmashtamiA Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Krishna with fasting, singing and night vigils

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle

• Shichi-Go-San on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.