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Wondering what the word means? Well, Shichi-Go-San is simply a traditional rite of passage and also a festival day in Japan for three and seven year-old girls and three and five year-old boys. It is annually done on November 15.

Japanese people say that it is not a national holiday but is generally celebrated on the nearest weekend. It originated in the Heian Period in the court nobles who are said to celebrate the passage for their children into middle childhood. The ages three, five and seven are Japanese numerology that dictates odd lucky numbers. The tradition has been passed to the samurai class who had added a number of rituals.

Children who are required to have shaven heads are allowed to grow out their hair once they reach the age of three. The little boys could also wear hakama for the first time as they reach five. The girls on the other hans can replace the simple cords that they used to tie their kimono with the traditional obi as they become seven.

shichi-go-san, japan, festival