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As the days shorten and the nights get colder, morning frost is a harbinger of winter to come. In the traditional calendar, November is known as Shimotsuki 霜月, “the month of frost.” The traditional name is thought to be derived from Shichi-Go-San七五三 (seven, five, three), which is celebrated each year around November 15th. Considered a significant milestone for young children, Shichi-Go-San is celebrated with a traditional Shinto ceremony that marks the growth and health of children seven, five, and three years of age. The numbers seven, five, and three are believed to be auspicious throughout East Asia, and reaching the age of seven, five, and three was considered a omen of good fortune. Originating during the rise of the samurai when child mortality was significantly higher than it is today, Shichi-Go-San was marked with rites that included kamiodome 髪置 (leaving hair uncut) for both boys and girls at age three, hakama-gi (donning hakama pants) for boys at age five, and obi-toki(tying the obi sash) for girls at age seven. By the Edo period these traditions had spread to the chonin 町人(townspeople) class, who brought their children to Shinto shrines to give thanks for their children's health and growth. Today the tradition of Shichi-Go-San is a highlight of the month of frost, as in November Shinto shrines throughout Japan are filled with young children dressed in their finest kimono posing for photographs for their proud parents to commemorate reaching these milestone ages.
