七五三(しちごさん)

USAGE: 七五三(しちごさん) is a traditional Japanese rite of passage celebrating children at ages 3, 5, and 7. The name literally means "7-5-3" after these ages.

CULTURAL CONTEXT:

• 三歳(さんさい) - Both boys and girls celebrate at age 3
• 五歳(ごさい) - Boys celebrate at age 5
• 七歳(ななさい) - Girls celebrate at age 7
• Traditionally held on November 15th, but many families visit shrines on nearby weekends
• Children dress in traditional 着物(きもの) or formal Western attire

COMMON PATTERNS:

• 七五三(しちごさん)のお祝(いわ)い (Shichi-Go-San celebration)
• 七五三(しちごさん)参(まい)り (Shichi-Go-San shrine visit)
• 七五三(しちごさん)の写真(しゃしん) (Shichi-Go-San photos)

TRADITIONAL ELEMENTS:

• 千歳飴(ちとせあめ) - special long candy symbolizing longevity, given to children