Introduction
7 5 3 day is a traditional celebration in Japan that marks the growth of children. It is an important day for families and children, and it is celebrated on November 15 every year. This day is celebrated to wish good health and long life for children of ages seven, five, and three. The celebration involves various traditional rituals and activities, and it has been an important part of Japanese culture for centuries.
History
The history of 7 5 3 day dates back to the Heian period (794-1185), where it was first celebrated by aristocrats in Kyoto. During this period, children of nobles were dressed in their best attire and taken to the temples for blessings. Over time, this tradition spread throughout Japan, and it became a popular celebration among commoners. Today, 7 5 3 day is celebrated throughout Japan, and it is considered an important cultural event.
Celebration
The celebration of 7 5 3 day involves various rituals and activities. On this day, families dress up their children in traditional attire and take them to Shinto shrines or Buddhist temples. The children pray for good health and long life while parents offer rice cakes, fruits, and other offerings to the gods. After the prayers, families visit local parks or scenic spots to take photographs with their children in their traditional attire.
Significance
The significance of 7 5 3 day lies in the belief that children of ages seven, five, and three are considered special ages in Japan. At these ages, children are believed to have special powers that protect them from evil spirits. Therefore, parents pray for their well-being and long life on this day. Additionally, the celebration also symbolizes the bond between parents and their children.
Traditional Attire
One of the most important aspects of 7 5 3 day is the traditional attire worn by children. Girls wear a colorful kimono with an obi belt, while boys wear a hakama (a type of pants) with a haori jacket. The colors of the attire vary based on the child’s age, with red being worn by three-year-olds, pink by five-year-olds, and blue by seven-year-olds.
Food
Food is an important aspect of Japanese culture, and it plays a significant role in the celebration of 7 5 3 day. On this day, families offer rice cakes (mochi), fruits (persimmons), and other traditional foods as offerings to the gods. After the prayers, families enjoy a feast together that includes traditional dishes such as sushi, tempura, and miso soup.
Decoration
The decoration also plays an important role in the celebration of 7 5 3 day. Families decorate their homes with chrysanthemum flowers (kiku), which symbolize longevity and good health. Additionally, families also display dolls that represent the emperor and empress during this time.
Modern Celebrations
In modern times, the celebration of 7 5 3 day has evolved to include new traditions. In addition to visiting temples or shrines, some families also take their children to amusement parks or zoos on this day. Additionally, some families also take photographs with their children prior to November 15th as a commemorative keepsake.
Similar Celebrations
While 7 5 3 day is a unique event in Japan’s culture, there are similar celebrations in other countries such as Korea (doljanchi) and China (baicai). These celebrations also mark the growth of children at specific ages and involve similar rituals such as dressing up in traditional attire.
Conclusion
7 5 3 day is an important cultural event in Japan that celebrates the growth of children at specific ages. The celebration involves various traditions such as dressing up in traditional attire, visiting temples or shrines for blessings, offering food as offerings to the gods, and taking photographs with family members. While modern celebrations have evolved over time, the significance of this cultural event remains strong among Japanese families.
Sources
- https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2097.html
- https://www.japan-talk.com/jt/new/what-is-shichi-go-san
- https://matcha-jp.com/en/1749
Why are ages 3 5 7 celebrated in Japan?
During this special occasion, people pray for the well-being and prosperity of children. The ages of three, five, and seven are significant milestones in a child’s development and are therefore celebrated, as odd numbers are considered auspicious in Japanese culture.
What is 7th July celebrated as in Japan?
Tanabata, also known as the Star Festival, is celebrated on July 7th. This festival originated from a Chinese legend where the stars Altair and Vega, separated on opposite sides of the Milky Way, are allowed to reunite once a year on this day.
Why is Shichi-go-san celebrated on November 15?
The modern-day Shichi-go-san customs originated during the Meiji era (1868-1912) in Japan. November 15 was selected for this celebration because it was deemed the most favorable day of the year based on the traditional Japanese calendar.
What happens on the day of Shichi-go-san?
Shichigosan is a yearly tradition held on November 15th in Japan. The name “Shichi-go-san” means seven, five, and three years old, and it’s a celebration for children reaching those ages. Parents take their children to Shinto shrines or temples to pray for their future happiness and growth.
What is 7 5 3 ritual?
Shichi-Go-San (七五三, lit. ‘seven-five-three’) is a traditional Japanese rite of passage and festival day for three- and seven-year-old girls, five-year-old and sometimes three-year-old boys, held annually on November 15 to celebrate the growth and well-being of young children.
Do Japanese children go to school 7 days a week?
In Japan, the academic year starts in April and schools hold classes from Monday to Friday or Saturday. The school year is divided into two or three terms with short breaks in the spring and winter, as well as a six-week-long summer vacation.
COVID-19 Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many cultural events and traditions around the world, including 7 5 3 day. In 2020, many families had to cancel or postpone their celebrations due to restrictions on gatherings and travel. However, some temples and shrines still held small ceremonies for families who were able to attend while following safety measures such as wearing masks and social distancing.
Future of 7 5 3 Day
The future of 7 5 3 day remains strong in Japan, as it continues to be an important cultural event for families. However, as society and technology continue to evolve, the celebration may also evolve with new traditions and practices. Some families may choose to incorporate modern elements such as digital photography or social media sharing into their celebrations, while others may choose to maintain traditional practices. Regardless, the significance of this cultural event is likely to remain strong for generations to come.
Influence on Japanese Fashion
The traditional attire worn by children on 7 5 3 day has influenced Japanese fashion over the years. Kimonos, in particular, have become a popular fashion item for women in Japan and around the world. Many designers have also incorporated elements of traditional Japanese fashion into their collections, including the use of obi belts and vibrant colors. Additionally, hakama pants have also inspired modern fashion trends for both men and women.
Importance of Family
One of the key themes of 7 5 3 day is the importance of family in Japanese culture. The celebration serves as a reminder for parents to cherish their children and promote their well-being. It also symbolizes the bond between parents and children, as well as between siblings. In a society that values group harmony and collectivism, 7 5 3 day highlights the significance of family relationships in Japanese culture.
Conclusion
7 5 3 day is a unique cultural event that celebrates the growth and well-being of children in Japan. Through its traditions and practices, it highlights the importance of family relationships and promotes good health and longevity for children. While it has evolved over time, its significance remains strong among Japanese families and will continue to be an important part of Japanese culture in the future.