千歳飴(ちとせあめ)

ちとせあめ
noun
chitose-ame; long candy given at Shichi-Go-San
foodculture
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(しちごさん) (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(ちとせあめ)をもらった。
I received some chitose-ame.
子(こ)どもが千歳飴(ちとせあめ)の袋(ふくろ)を持(も)って笑(わら)っている。
The child is smiling, holding a bag of chitose-ame.
七五三(しちごさん)では、長寿(ちょうじゅ)を願(ねが)って子(こ)どもに千歳飴(ちとせあめ)を贈(おく)る。
At Shichi-Go-San, chitose-ame is given to children to wish them a long life.

Written 千(ち) (thousand) + 歳(とせ) (years) + 飴(あめ) (candy). The candy comes in a decorated bag printed with auspicious motifs such as cranes, turtles, and pine.

Cultural note

  • Sold at shrines and confectioners around 七五三(しちごさん) (November 15th)
  • The thin, very long shape represents a wish for long, healthy life
  • Often shared with relatives and neighbors after the shrine visit
general
Added 2026.6.20 9:19 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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