Shichi-go-san

At the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we keep celebrating. Today we are travelling to Japan to attend Shichi-go-san.

Shichi-go-san, which literally means three, five, seven, is a festival held every year on November 15 in Japan. It is a rite of passage for 3 and 7 year old girls and 3 and 5 year old boys.

Japan celebrates three festivals dedicated to kids: Hinamatsuri (March 3), for girls, Kodomo no hi (May 5), for boys, and Shichi-go-san, for both genders.

The origin of Shichi-go-san comes from Heian period. The aim of this day is celebrating children´s healthy growth. Japanese parents visit Shinto sanctuaries with their children to pray for kids´ health and comfort.

Relating to the meaning of the numbers 7, 5 and 3, there are several theories. In the past, children were able to keep their hair long when they reached the age of 3 years old. From the age of 5 years old, boys were able to wear the hakama, traditional Japanese trousers, and girls were able to wear the obi, a traditional bow, when they were 7. That´s why Shichi-go-san was held when kids were 3, 5 and 7 years old.

These numbers were also picked because Japanese people prefer odd numbers; they believe they bring good luck.

Currently, at the age of 3 years old, Japanese kids wear for the first time traditional Japanese costumes and visit the shrine to celebrate it.

Shichi-go-san traditional activities are going to the shrines and carrying bags decorated with turtles and paper ornaments. These bags are stuffed with Chitose ame, a very famous red and white candy stick. Turtles (kame) and paper ornaments (origami) symbolize a long and healthy life for Japanese culture.

At the luxury resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, the Best Hotel in Europe and the Mediterranean for Families, we organise every day different kids activities so that the little ones enjoy an unforgettable stay. We are looking forward to seeing you!