Sayuri Sasai
"Shichigosan in the Edo Period Bringing Chitose-ame (Chitose candy) to visit the shrine"
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Shichigosan is an event to express gratitude for the safe growth of a child and to pray for his or her healthy growth in the future. There are various theories as to its origin, but it is said to have originated from three ceremonies held at court during the Heian period (794-1185).
Around the age of three: "Kamioki-no-gi" (ceremony to place hair in place) This is a ceremony to begin growing hair that had previously been shaved. During the Heian period (794-1185), it was believed that keeping the head clean would prevent illness and allow healthy hair to grow, so it was customary for both boys and girls to shave their hair soon after birth.
Hakamagi Ceremony" at around age 5 This is the ceremony of putting on Hakama, the formal attire of the time, for the first time. This ceremony has been held only for boys since around the Edo period (1603-1867).
Around the age of 7, "Obi-Toki no Ritual". This is a ceremony in which girls remove the sash they had been using until then and put on a wide obi, the same width as an adult's.
笹井さゆり「江戸時代の七五三 千歳飴(ちとせあめ)を持ってお宮参りへ」