Thursday, 11 November 2010

Shichi-go-san (七五三)

Two girls at age of 5 and 7 in kimono are carrying Chitose Ame.

Good luck charms for Shichi-go-san.

There is an event called "Shichi-go-san" (七五三) for children at ages of 3, 5 and 7 in Japan. It's generally observed in November. Originally a Shinto ceremony celebrating the health of boys (who celebrate Shichi-go-san at the age of 5) and girls (who do it twice, at the ages of 3 and 7).

Chitose Ame (千歳飴), literally "thousand year candy", is given to children on Shichi-go-san. Chitose Ame is long, thin, red and white candy, which symbolizes healthy growth and longevity. It is given in a bag with a crane and a turtle on it, which represent long life in Japan. The two girls in the photos are carrying Chitose Ame.

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