あきやすみ ４ - 七五三

Aki yasumi pt. 4 - Shichigosan (Autumn Vacation part 4 - Coming of Age Celebration)

Shichigosan (七五三) is actually the words 3,5 and 7 joined together. The reason it's called this is because it's a celebration for children's coming of age, in hopes of ensuring they have long and happy lives. As such, the years 3,5 and 7 are significant not only because of the auspicious nature of odd numbers, but also because of some very old Samurai traditions associated with these ages. For Shichigosan, boys who are aged three or five and girls who are aged three or seven are dressed in kimono (for the first time, at age 3) and are accompanied by family to visit shrines. 3 yr. old girls typically wear hifu (a thick, padded vest) over their kimono. Boys wear hakama and haori, of course. Both genders' Shichigosan kimono are very colourful and cheerfully-patterned.

Children celebrating Shichigosan are given Chitoseame (千歳飴), or "thousand year candy." It's a long, thin, chewy candy, which simbolises longevity. It is presented to the children in a long bags that are decorated with a crane and a turtle since these also represent a long, healthy life. The candy is really similar to what's known as "taffy" in the west, except it's not quite as sugary-sweet and doesn't glue itself to one's teeth. The markets outside the shrines are all selling this and are all competing with eachother for business. At some of them, there is even some element of show as the candy makers publicly display their skills.

The children go to the shrine or temple with their families and their chitoseame candy and are blessed by the priests. The rest of the day is usually spent with the family. Nowadays some families take the children to professional photo studios, as well. In my photo is my 3-year-old niece, Riko. Is she totally sweet and adorable or what!? In Japan I'm not known as Chris, but am usually called Kurisu (くりす), or just "Kuri," so Riko calls me "Kuri Ooji-chan," or Uncle Chris. So cute!! Today my wife and I went to Kawasaki to get together with my sister and brother in-law and celebrate Riko's special day with her. It was fun! Kawasaki is a kool place-- definitely, and the shrine was overflowing with cuteness.