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Commentary by Hank F. Miller Jr.

Shichi-go-san is a traditional Japanese festival for three-year old girls, five-year old boys, and seven -year -old girls. On November 15, the children in these age groups are dressed up and are taken by their parents to a Shinto shrine or to a Christian church. At the Shinto shrine and Christian church, the priests report the names of the children to the god and hold a brief prayer ceremony of purification. Then the children thank god for their growth and pray for a bright future.

They have their commemorative pictures taken and buy chitose-ame, or long sticks of candy, at the shrine or church. Chitose means a thousand years, and the candy bars wish that the children will grow soundly and live a long happy life successful life.

Shishi-go-san originally included various rites of passage: Three-year-old boys and girls were permitted to begin growing their hair long: boys aged five began wearing a hakama, a long pleated skirt like garment; and seven-year old girls were given an obi, a broad sash, instead of a rope, to tie their kimono.

Moreover, the ages of three, five and seven have come to be celebrated because odd numbers were considered auspicious in Japan. After the ceremonies the whole family usually get together and have a nice lunch altogether since this celebration is held on a Sunday.

Warm Regards from Kitakyushu City, Japan

Hank F. Miller Jr.

Note: Hank was born and raised in Gloucester City, NJ after he was discharged from the service he settle in Japan.

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