Shichi-go-san is a rite of passage ceremony for children ages three, five, and seven celebrated on November 15th every year. Still, as it is not a national holiday, most families will hold their festivities on the nearest weekend instead.
The ages three, five, and seven are celebrated because odd numbers are seen as lucky in Japan. Also, ages three, five, and seven are important development times. Children of three understand words, children of five get wisdom, and children of seven have permanent teeth. Boys are celebrated at three and five, and girls at three and seven.
Families celebrate with a visit to a temple or shrine to offer prayers to the Shinto guardian god of good health, Ujigami (氏神), wishing for the well-being of their children.
Shichi-go-san dates back to the Heian Period (794-1185) when aristocrats celebrated the growth of their children. Commoners adopted this practice during the Edo period (1603-1868); they started visiting shrines to pray for their kids' health.
The 7-5-3 Day as we know it today evolved in the Meiji era (1868-1912),
Most girls wear kimonos during their Shichi-go-san visit, while boys come in haori and hakama. However, in recent days, many children have worn western dresses and suits instead.
Foreigners are also welcomed to the shrines and temples; it is a great opportunity to take many cute photos of the kids in their vibrant kimonos.
During shrine and temple visits, one should be careful as most shrines do not allow people to wear sandals and shoes inside. The same goes for most temples, but slippers are always given to be worn instead. A pair of slippers can be brought along if desired.
To go with the occasion, why not get a pair of beautiful and comfortable CP Slippers for the fashionably dressed kids? The colorful, comfortable, and simple yet luxurious slippers from the CP Slippers kid's collection would complement the flashy attires worn during the festival.
The CP Slippers, originating in Japan in the early 1980s, are known for their simplicity and for giving the wearer the illusion that they are barefoot.
CP Slippers Kids
