還暦(かんれき)

還暦(かんれき) literally means "return to the calendar" — it marks the completion of one full 60-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac (12 animals × 5 elements), after which the cycle starts again.

Traditions

The celebrant traditionally receives a 赤(あか)いちゃんちゃんこ (red padded vest). Red symbolizes rebirth, as the person begins a "new" cycle of life.

Common expressions

• 還暦(かんれき)を迎(むか)える: to reach one's 60th birthday
• 還暦(かんれき)のお祝(いわ)い: 60th birthday celebration
• 還暦(かんれき)祝(いわ)い: 60th birthday gift/celebration

Other milestone birthdays

• 古希(こき) (70), 喜寿(きじゅ) (77), 傘寿(さんじゅ) (80)
• 米寿(べいじゅ) (88), 卒寿(そつじゅ) (90), 白寿(はくじゅ) (99)