Traditional Japanese Custom for Children "Shichi-Go-San" on November 15th

"Shichi-Go-San (Seven-Five-Three)" is a traditional Japanese custom to celebrate children's growth at age three, five, and seven. That's why this custom is called "Shichi-Go-San (Seven-Five-Three)". Many parents who have children at age three, five, and seven would dress their children in formal Kimonos and take them to a temple or a shrine to pray for the children's healthy growth on the day of "Shichi-Go-San" celebration. 

The meaning of the celebration is different at each age.  At age three, mainly girls are celebrated because traditionally it was the age to start growing their heir. Since old times long beautiful pitch black hair is a symbol of women's beauty in Japan, it was an important change for girls. On the contrary at age five it is a celebration for boys only because in old days it was the age when boys started to wear formal men's style Kimono trousers called Hakama. At age seven, it is a celebration time for girls only because girls start to wear thick Obi-belt of Kimono same as grownups in old days.

Traditionally the November 15th is the "Shichi-Go-San Day", but since the children wear formal Kimonos for this custom, parents usually choose a good weather weekend to celebrate it. Thus if you visit a shrine or temple on a fine weekend day in this month, you may be able to enjoy watching the gorgeous combination of "Shichi-Go-San" children wearing Kimonos and colorful autumn foliage as shown in this photo! 

The combined photos were all taken at Takahata-Fudo Temple in Hino City, Tokyo.