1.
chitose-ame; long red-and-white stick candy for Shichi-Go-San
A long, thin, red-and-white stick candy given to children at 七五三 (Shichi-Go-San). Its length symbolizes a wish for the child's long life and healthy growth. The name literally means "thousand-year candy."
千歳飴をもらった。
I received some chitose-ame.
子どもが千歳飴の袋を持って笑っている。
The child is smiling, holding a bag of chitose-ame.
七五三では、長寿を願って子どもに千歳飴を贈る。
At Shichi-Go-San, chitose-ame is given to children to wish them a long life.
Written 千 (thousand) + 歳 (years) + 飴 (candy). The candy comes in a decorated bag printed with auspicious motifs such as cranes, turtles, and pine.
CULTURAL CONTEXT:
- Sold at shrines and confectioners around 七五三 (November 15th)
- The thin, very long shape represents a wish for long, healthy life
- Often shared with relatives and neighbors after the shrine visit