Shichi-go-san

Definition

Shichi-go-san is a traditional Japanese festival celebrated on November 15th, marking the growth of children aged seven, five, and three. The name translates to 'seven-five-three,' and it is an important rite of passage in Japan, involving visits to shrines where children are dressed in beautiful kimonos and receive blessings from Shinto priests. This custom connects deeply with Japanese mythology and Shinto beliefs, symbolizing the transition of children into different stages of their lives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Shichi-go-san originated during the Heian period (794-1185) and has evolved into a significant cultural event in modern Japan.
2. Parents often take their children to Shinto shrines to pray for their health and happiness during the shichi-go-san celebration.
3. During the festival, boys typically wear hakama (a type of traditional trouser) at age five, while girls wear a kimono at age three and then again at age seven.
4. Special foods, such as chitose-ame (thousand-year candy), are given to children during shichi-go-san, symbolizing longevity and good fortune.
5. The festival reflects the importance of family and community in Japanese culture, reinforcing ties through shared traditions and celebrations.

Review Questions

• How does shichi-go-san reflect the values of growth and family in Japanese culture?
  • Shichi-go-san embodies the values of growth and family by celebrating key milestones in a child's development. The festival highlights the importance of reaching specific ages—three, five, and seven—where children transition into new phases of life. Family plays a central role as parents dress their children in traditional attire and take them to shrines to receive blessings, reinforcing familial bonds and shared cultural heritage.
• Discuss the relationship between shichi-go-san and Shinto practices in terms of rituals and beliefs.
  • Shichi-go-san is deeply intertwined with Shinto practices, as it involves rituals that honor kami through offerings and prayers at shrines. During the celebration, families seek blessings from Shinto priests, who perform ceremonies to ensure health and happiness for their children. This reflects a broader belief system within Shintoism that emphasizes harmony with nature and respect for spiritual entities, making shichi-go-san an expression of cultural identity linked to these ancient traditions.
• Evaluate the cultural significance of shichi-go-san in contemporary Japan compared to its historical origins.
  • In contemporary Japan, shichi-go-san retains its cultural significance but has adapted to modern societal changes. While it originated as a formal rite of passage during the Heian period, today it serves as a way for families to celebrate children's growth amidst changing family dynamics. The festival's emphasis on tradition continues to unite families in celebration while allowing for variations in practice that reflect current lifestyles. This balance between historical roots and modernity demonstrates the resilience of cultural traditions in Japan.

Related terms

Shinto: The indigenous spirituality of Japan, focusing on rituals and beliefs that connect people with kami, or spirits, found in nature.

Kami: The spirits or deities worshiped in Shintoism, believed to inhabit natural elements like trees, rivers, and mountains.

Miko: Shinto shrine maidens who perform rituals and serve as intermediaries between kami and people, often involved in festivals like shichi-go-san.