The Seven-Five-Three Ceremony in the Modern Day - HaneMari Family

Shichi-go-san (standing for the ages of seven, five and three) is a traditional Japanese ceremony celebrating the growth of children and wishing for their continued good health.
Girls celebrate when they’re three and seven years old, and boys celebrate at three and five years old.
Families all dress in kimonos for the Shichi-go-san ceremony at the local shrine.
At the shrine, the chief priest prays for each child’s healthy growth.
Many popular shrines have long lines for Shichi-go-san ceremonies, and some shrines have online booking available, too.
Besides the shrine prayer visit, taking a commemorative photo and hosting a dinner party with family are common ways to celebrate.
Shichi-go-san traditionally falls on November 15, but recently celebrating in accordance with the family’s schedule on a weekend or holiday in November is also common.
Commemorative pictures are taken by professional photographers at filming studios. Some people take them on the day of Shichi-go-san, and others take them beforehand.
Also, it is common for girls to take pictures in dresses in addition to the traditional kimono pose.