十一月の京都
快晴の休日、穏やかな風景に思わず散歩の足を止め、昔を思い出していました。神社がとても賑やかだったのです。
正装した子供達がお祓いの順番を家族と待合所で待っていました。着慣れない帯や袴や草履に四苦八苦していたり、カメラマンの前でかっこいいポーズを取っていたり、千歳飴を頬張っていたり。
主人公1人につき7,8人の付き添いがそれぞれあり（祖父母や親兄弟姉妹）、皆さん晴れやかな顔でその子の成長を喜び、誇らしげにしているように見えました。
七五三参りとは、子供が3歳、5歳、7歳になると成長を見守ってもらった感謝を込めて氏神さんへ正装して詣でる習慣で11月に行われるという、としか知らなかったので、この機会に改めて調べてみました。
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七五三はもともと宮廷や武家で行われていた儀式。
3歳の男女「髪置（かみおき）の儀」
5歳の男「袴着（はかまぎ）の儀」
7歳の女「帯解（おびとき）の儀」
これらが江戸時代に統合され11/15に日取りが固定された。
明治以降日本に広まった。
出典：「年中行事読本」（創元社）
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3歳で髪を剃ることをやめ伸びし始め、5歳で初めて袴をはき、7歳で初めて帯を結んだのですね。
November in Kyoto 2023
On a clear holiday, I found myself stopping my steps during a legular walking to the shrine, captivated by the serene scenery, and reminiscing about the past.
The shrine was bustling with ceremony "Shichi-Go-San". Children dressed up waited with their families in the waiting area for their purification ceremony. Some struggled with unfamiliar obi (sashes), hakama (traditional trousers), and zori (sandals), while others struck cool poses in front of photographers or enjoyed eating chitose ame (longevity candy). Each child had 7 or 8 companions, including grandparents, parents, and siblings. Everyone appeared joyous and proud, celebrating the child's growth.
Since I only knew that Shichi-Go-San is a tradition that children visit the shrine at the ages of 3, 5, and 7 to express gratitude for being watched over and to pray for their continued growth, which takes place in November, I took this opportunity to look into it more.
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Shichi-Go-San originally had its roots in ceremonies held in the imperial court and among the warrior class. The rituals included the "Kamioki no Gi" at age 3 for both boys and girls, the "Hakamagi no Gi" at age 5 for boys, and the "Obitoki no Gi" at age 7 for girls. These rituals were integrated during the Edo period, and the fixed date of November 15 was established. The tradition spread across Japan in the Meiji era and beyond.
Source: "Nenju Gyōji Dokuhon" (Sogensha)
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At the age of 3, children stop shaving their hair and let it grow. At the age of 5, boys wear hakama for the first time, and at the age of 7, girls tie an obi for the first time.