What is Shichigosan?
A Quick 5-minute read on what Shichigosan is and its history.
Shichigosan, directly translating to "seven-five-three" is the Japanese custom and coming-of-age ceremony celebrated on November 15, for children at the age of 3, 5, and 7 years old as a way to document their growth and milestones over their formative years.
Traditionally, children dress in traditional attire and visit shrines, commemorating with a photoshoot, although this has evolved to mainly just photoshoots today.
So, what's the history?
Shichigosan is a combination of three distinct customs that developed during the Heian period (794–1185) marking important steps in a child’s growth:
at three, boys and girls were allowed to leave behind their short toddler cuts and grow their hair out;
at five, boys were considered old enough to wear hakama;
and at seven, girls were considered old enough and allowed to wear an obi
just as the adults do, for the first time.
What's the process like?
As kimonos are very expensive, they used to be passed down as family heirlooms. Few families own kimonos today, but there are still some who treasure them and pass them down to the next generations.
Shichigosan is often done with multiple siblings or with the whole family, at studios offering costume rentals, dress-up service, hair and makeup along with the actual photoshoots.
At Al Dahlia Kimono, we provide all these Shichigosan services and help you find the perfect location or studio, working with a photographer, all within your budget!
Some locations we've shot at before :
What do you wear?
3 year old boys and girls dress in Hifu -
a type of kimono without an obi for easier wear.
As they grow older; for girls, a Furisode - a type of ceremonial kimono with long sleeves worn by young women
and for boys, a Hakama - a type of ceremonial wide skirt or trouser worn over a kimono, and a Haori Jacket.
Thousand Year Candy
During their Shichigosan, children are gifted with Chitoseame or "thousand year candy" - a traditional long stick-shaped hard candy representing the hope for a strong child with a long and healthy life.
Traditionally they come in red and white, however, now there are now endless options like grape, strawberry and matcha that are gifted in decorated bags to hold in the photos. On traditional Chitoseame bags, it is common to see symbols of longevity and good health on these bags like Japanese cranes and turtles, both known to live long lives.
Modern
Al Dahlia Kimono Style
Chitoseame Bag and Candy
Many people in Japan, now make their own Chitoseame bags as well.
Our Chitoseame bags are handcrafted and decorated with Tsumamizaiku pieces made out of antique kimono fabric.
You can decorate it afterwards with your child's name and Shichigosan picture as well.
Perfect as a keepsake for your child's Shichigosan!
Traditional Chitoseame Bag and Candy
Tsumamizaiku & Katana
In girls' shoots, hair is usually done up with large accessories like tsumamizaiku - a traditional Japanese handcraft made of kimono fabrics.
We also have workshops for these, so keep on the look out!
Sometimes in boys' shoots, they hold a katana for the photos as well.
Who can do it?
Shichigosan is not only exclusive to Japanese families - anyone can do it! Often times, you will see children of other ethnicities who have grown up in Japan etc having Shichigosan photoshoots just the same.
However as many parents no longer know how to dress their children in kimono, for those who want to, but live abroad, more often that not will fly all the way back to Japan whenever they can to have their Shichigosan.
Luckily, a select few countries with larger Japanese communities may have Shichigosan available like in Singapore, Hawaii, and right here in the UAE!
Sources :
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