Shichigosan (七五三) is a traditional Japanese festival celebrated on November 15th each year. The name translates to “seven-five-three,” referring to the ages of children celebrated during this event: three and seven years old for girls, and three and five years old for boys.
What do people do during Shichigosan?
The festival marks significant milestones in a child’s growth. On the celebration day, families dress their children in traditional clothing, kimonos, and visit shrines to pray for their health and well-being. It is a time for families to celebrate the growth of their children and to wish for their future happiness and success. In addition to the shrine visits, many families take the opportunity to have professional photographs taken. If you have Japanese friends, ask them if they have a Shichigosan photo. A majority would say yes.
Is there a traditional food served during Shichigosan?
There are not many traditional foods specifically associated with Shichigosan. The one item which always present is a candy called Chitose-ame (千歳飴). This candy is given to children during the celebration and traditionally features red and white colors, symbolizing longevity and good health. In recent years, there have been many different varieties of Chitose-ame available, with some creative designs and bright colors.
Another food we often see is Sekihan (赤飯). Sekihan is a dish made with glutinous rice cooked with red azuki beans. It is commonly served at celebrations. I’ve written about Sekihan before. Please read the article for more details.
The focus is on celebrating children’s milestones. Families often prepare the child’s favorite food or something specifically requested by the child. If you are living in Japan and notice your colleagues and friends celebrating Shichigosan, you can ask them what kind of food they are preparing for the day. It would be a great conversation starter,, and you might find interesting food that you’ve never tried before!
