Shichi-go-san is a Japanese traditional event that takes place in November. It is written 七五三 in Kanji. This is 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. As it is not a national holiday, it is generally observed on the nearest weekend. The children wear Kimono which is Japanese traditional clothing and hold Chitose ame (千歳飴, lit. ’thousand year candy’).

     　      七五三

七 means seven, 五 means five, and 三 means three.

Shichi-Go-San is said to have originated in the Heian period (794 to 1185) amongst court nobles who would celebrate the passage of their children into middle childhood. The way to celebrate was a little bit different from now. Shichi-Go-San has changed little since the Meiji period. (1868 to 1912 In this century, the formality of current Shichi-go-san has made up. 

I of course celebrated when I was 7 years old. Choosing my favorite kimono was the most fun time for me being a kid. Originally, the reason this event was generated is to celebrate kids who survived safely. I found how thankful I am to be able to celebrate this traditional event.