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In autumn, it is common to see small children visiting shrines in kimono with their families in Japan. Shichigosan is an event held every year on November 15 to celebrate the safety of children aged 3, 5, and 7, and to wish for their future growth and happiness.

Shichigosan is believed to have originated in the Muromachi period. In those days, the mortality rate of infants was very high, so the children were registered in the family register after three to four years of age. Therefore, it is said that there were many ceremonies to celebrate growth up to the age of seven. One of these ceremonies was the Shichigosan, which took its present form in the Meiji era.

The reason why Shichigosan is celebrated at the ages of 3, 5, and 7 is because the original rituals of "hair placement," "wearing hakama," and "untying the obi" were performed at those ages.

In modern times, the ceremony has become a way to pray for healthy growth at important points in the developmental process, as children begin to understand language at the age of three, gain wisdom at the age of five, and grow new teeth at the age of seven. Also, it is difficult to go to Shichigosan on weekdays due to school and work commitments, so the ceremony is held regardless of the date.

Even today, parents wish for the healthy growth of their children. We should cherish the earnest wishes of the people of the past and celebrate with the whole family. We have a variety of goods that are useful when visiting shrines and other places of worship, so please check out our online page.

Okai Mafu Shoten's Handwoven Linen Handkerchief
https://www.shokunin.com/en/okai/handkerchief.html 
MokuNeji's Bottle
https://www.shokunin.com/en/mokuneji/bottle.html 
Komiya Shoten's Mira Toray Folding Umbrella
https://www.shokunin.com/en/komiya/

References
https://www.happilyphoto.jp/column/256987/ 
https://www.rakuten.ne.jp/gold/rentalmiyuki/shichigosan_toha.html#column-1
https://www.studio-mario.jp/event/753/article/002/