Miscellaneous 6

Today, November 15, is Shichi-Go-San Day.

Shichi-Go-San is often held from October to November, but November 15 is said to be the date of Shichi-Go-San because it was on this date in 1681 that Tsunayoshi Tokugawa, the fifth shogun of the Edo Shogunate from which Shichi-Go-San originated, prayed for the health of his first son.

I was only aware that it was an event to take pictures at the age of Shichi-Go-San.

I heard that the age of Shichi-Go-San also has a meaning.

Age 3 is “hair straightening” to grow hair

(They used to shave their hair until they were 3 years old.)

Five-year-olds put on hakama for the first time “Hakama-giri”.

(Ceremony for boys to put on Hakama)

Seven-year-olds wear adult attire, including a tailored kimono and a round obi, the “obi-kai”.

(A ceremony in which girls wear the same wide obi as adults)

are each meant to be celebrated.

And speaking of Shichi-Go-San, Chitose-Ame is the most popular candy.

This Chitose Ame is also filled with prayers.

As the name “Chitose” implies, it is a wish for longevity, “to live for a thousand years.

Each of Japan’s unique cultures has its own meaning and origin.

The depth of Japanese culture has attracted the interest of foreigners in recent years, and Japanese people are increasingly reaffirming the good qualities of Japan through close attention.

As a Japanese person, I too believe that we must preserve the good old traditions of Japan and pass on the good qualities of Japan.