Shichigosan: "Until Seven, God is with You" - A Form of Prayer and Celebration

by kataokatetsuya November 12, 2025

The sleeves of her formal attire fluttered gently in the clear autumn air.
On the approach to the shrine, you can see the smiling faces of children holding Chitose-ame candy.
The gazes of the family who have watched over their growth intersect.

■ What is Shichi-Go-San?

Shichigosan is a festival that celebrates the healthy growth of children who reach the milestone ages of 3, 5 and 7.
It is a traditional Japanese event in which people visit shrines to offer thanks and prayers.
Its origins date back to the Heian period, and it spread among the common people during the Edo period.

・3 years old: Kamioki (hair rest)
This is the turning point when children start growing their hair, signifying their graduation from childhood.

・5 years old: Hakama (traditional Japanese formal attire)
A ceremony in which a boy puts on hakama for the first time, symbolizing his first step into society.

・7 years old: Obitoki (untying the obi)
A rite of passage in which girls learn to wear the same obi as adults.

These are not just celebrations of age, but also gratitude for "life having grown up safely up to this point."
It is a form of prayer saying, "May you continue to be protected."

■ Why November 15th?

On this day, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, the fifth shogun of the Edo shogunate, prayed for the health of his eldest son, Tokumatsu.
It was also an auspicious day called "Kishukunichi" in the old calendar.
Nowadays, many families hold the ceremony on the weekend around November 15th, and in some areas it is held earlier in October.

■ Wishes contained in Chitose Ame

When it comes to Shichigosan, the symbolic thing that comes to mind is the long red and white candy called "Chitoseame."
Its long, slender shape represents the wish for a long, healthy life.
The candy bags are decorated with images of cranes, turtles, pine trees, bamboo, plum trees, and other animals that symbolize longevity and prosperity.

■ Modern Shichi-Go-San: A day that weaves memories

Even in today's world where medical technology has advanced, Shichi-Go-San is still cherished as a milestone for the family.
Commemorative photos at a photo studio, prayers at a shrine, dinner with grandparents...
Each family weaves together prayers and celebrations in their own way.

At WABISUKE,
The atmosphere of this season and the poetry in the family's gaze,
I value expressions that gently capture the essence of something through colors and words.

For example, "Chitose Ameiro," "Benihi," "Shironeri," etc.
Through color names and seasonal words that evoke scenes related to Shichi-Go-San,
What if we could create content that resonates with readers' memories and emotions?
With that in mind, we welcomed this season again this year.