All about Shichi-Go-San

Shichi-Go-San is a special celebration in Shintoism for boys aged 3 and 5, and girls aged 3 and 7. It is a time when families dress up in beautiful clothes and visit shrines to pray for the children's health and happiness.

During Shichi-Go-San, the children receive blessings from the priests and are given special sweets called chitose-ame, which means "thousand-year candy," symbolizing a wish for a long and healthy life.

The boys wear traditional kimono and hakama, while the girls wear colorful kimonos with lovely hair ornaments. Families take lots of pictures to remember this important day.

Shichi-Go-San is a time to show gratitude for the children's growth and to ask for their continued well-being. It is a joyful occasion filled with love and blessings from family and the community.

Overall, Shichi-Go-San is a beautiful and meaningful celebration that brings families together to celebrate the growth and happiness of their children in the Shinto religion.

  1. What is the significance of Shichi-Go-San in Shintoism?
  2. What special sweets do the children receive during Shichi-Go-San and what do they symbolize?
  3. Describe the traditional clothing worn by boys and girls during Shichi-Go-San.
  4. How do families commemorate Shichi-Go-San?
  5. Why is Shichi-Go-San considered a joyful occasion?

Symbols and Traditions

Shichi-Go-San is a special celebration in Japan for children who are 7, 5, and 3 years old. In Shintoism, which is a religion practiced in Japan, this celebration is a way to give thanks for the growth and health of young children.

  1. Why is Shichi-Go-San celebrated in Japan?
  2. What is the significance of children dressing up in kimonos during Shichi-Go-San?
  3. What do Chitose-ame candies symbolize during this celebration?
  4. How do families mark the special day of Shichi-Go-San?
  5. Discuss the importance of family and community in Shichi-Go-San.

My Family and Shichi-Go-San

Hi, my name is Molly and I am 8 years old. I want to share with you all about a special celebration called Shichi-Go-San that my family celebrates. Even though we are in Ireland, we like to learn about different traditions from around the world.

  1. What is Shichi-Go-San and why is it celebrated?
  2. What do children wear during Shichi-Go-San?
  3. What do families do during the celebration?
  4. Why are the numbers 7, 5, and 3 important in this tradition?
  5. How does Shichi-Go-San highlight the importance of family and community?

Comparing Shichi-Go-San to another Festival

After learning all about Shichi-Go-San, is there another festival that you celebrate or that you know that is similar in any way? Make a project comparing the similarities and differences between this festival and Shichi-Go-Sanand think about what symbols and traditions that are part of it. Think about the story of the festival, if it has one, where it is mainly celebrated - whether it is one country or all over the world. You can produce the project using any medium whether it's paper or on a laptop.

Slideshow - Shichi-Go-San
A full set of teaching plans for Shichi-Go-Santeaching.