Schichi-Go-San in Japan Date in the current year: November 15, 2024

The festival celebrates the growth of the children and their passage of the age of 3 and 7 for the girls and the age of 3 and 5 for the boys. The odd numbers are believed to bring luck, that is why this age is so important for the Japanese families.

One of the rituals of Schichi-Go-San is allowing to grow children's hair, that had to be shaved until the child turns three. This tradition is not practiced any more. According to another, tradition boys and girls at the age of 3, 5 and 7 wear for the first time a kimono: hakama for the boys of 5 and the girls of 7 replace simple cords they use to tie the kimono with the traditional obi. Children visit the shrines and this day is one of the most famous for taking the pictures of the kids.

Children also get special treats, called Chitose Ame, that is a thin red and white candy, symbolizing growth and longevity.