Kimono Explained #4 - Children's Celebrations

Welcome back to our series Kimono Explained!

This month, we're taking a closer look at the special kimonos worn for children's celebrations. In Japan, growing up is marked by beautiful, symbolic milestones, and kimono are often at the centre of these cherished events.

From the vibrant garments of Shichi-Go-San (七五三) to the symbolic attire of a baby's Omiyamairi (お宮参り), kimono play an important role in visually expressing love, protection, and hope for the future. Some of these practices date back to the Heian and even Nara periods, showing just how deeply they are rooted in Japanese culture.

As a kimono lover and slow fashion advocate, I'm especially inspired by how these garments carry such heartfelt meaning through generations. Whether you're new to kimono or have childhood memories of wearing one yourself, I hope this post brings you a deeper appreciation for these traditions. 

Let’s explore the traditional events that celebrate children and the beautiful kimonos that go along with them!

1. Omiyamairi (お宮参り) – First Shrine Visit

Age: Around 1 month old (31~32 days for boys, 32~33 days for girls)

Some areas in Japan celebrate this at the same time as Okuizome (explained below). The age rule is not strict as health of the mother and the baby is the priority.

What it celebrates: A newborn’s first visit to a Shinto shrine to be blessed and wish for healthy growth. In some areas, the baby gets a stamp on the forehead. 

Kimono:
The baby is traditionally dressed in a white undergarment called a Shirohabutae (白羽二重), and then draped with a special ceremonial kimono with beautiful and often colourful patterns. In this day and age, some people dress their babies in normal clothes instead of Shirohabutae. The popular patterns are butterfly, rabbit, cherry blossom, plum blossom, dragon, tiger, and kabuto(兜).

*Check out the previous articles for the meanings of each pattern.

History: the tradition dates back to the Kamakura period (1185-1333).

2. Okuizome (お食い初め) – First Meal Ceremony

Age: Around 100 days old

What it celebrates: The baby's symbolic "first meal," wishing for a lifetime of abundance and health. During the ceremony, an adult family member imitates feeding the baby special feast such as sea bream, red rice, and teething stone.

Kimono:
The baby is traditionally dressed in a Kosode (小袖). It's also popular to wear a modern version of Hakama (袴), Jinbei (甚平) or the same kimono as Omiyamairi in the modern days. 

History: the tradition dates back to the Heian period (794-1185).

3. Shichi-Go-San (七五三) – Seven-Five-Three Festival

Age: 3 (boys and girls), 5 (boys) and 7 (girls)

Traditionally celebrated on the 15th of November but can be celebrated any time of the year.

What it celebrates: The growth of girls at age 3 and 7, and boys at age 5. This is one of the most iconic children's celebrations in Japan. 

Kimono:

• Girls (age 3):
  Traditionally wear a hifu (被布) over a kimono. 
• Boys (age 5):
  Wear a haori (羽織) and hakama (袴) over a kimono, often adorned with bold patterns like cranes or samurai symbols.
• Girls (age 7):
  Wear a specially tailored kimono called yotsumi (四つ身). Their first time to wear an obi in the same style as adults, specifically in the style of kazarimusubi (飾り結び) which is usually for Furisode (振袖).

*Check out the previous articles to know more bout the types of kimonos.

History: the tradition dates back to the Heian period (794-1185). 

• Age 3: Both boys and girls celebrate leaving their toddler years behind. In the Heian period, this marked when children could start growing their hair out after having shaved heads in infancy.
• Age 5: Mainly celebrated for boys since the Edo period (1603-1868). The celebration originates from the ceremony where a Heian noble boy wears a Hakama (袴) for the first time at the age of 5.
• Age 7: Mainly celebrated for girls since the late Edo period. 

4. Coming of Age Day (成人の日 / Seijin no Hi)

When: Second Monday of January
What it celebrates: Turning 20 – officially becoming an adult in Japan.

Kimono:
Though this is not a "children's" celebration per se, it’s the culmination of many earlier kimono traditions. Young women wear elaborate furisode (振袖), while some young men wear formal kimono with hakama (袴), although Western suits are increasingly common.

History: the origin of this tradition dates back to the Nara period (710AD-794AD). The holiday became official and a national day on 15th of January 1948, though it moved to the second Monday of January in 2000.

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From the moment a child is born, traditional Japanese culture surrounds them with symbols of love, protection, and good fortune. Kimono play a central role in expressing those wishes, often handed down across generations or carefully chosen to reflect the family’s hopes.

As we celebrate these traditions through the lens of slow fashion, we’re reminded that clothing can carry deep meaning - beyond style or trend, it can be timeless, intentional, and filled with emotional meaning. 

Thank you for joining me again this month on Kimono Explained.
Next month, we’ll be exploring the traditional kimono worn at Japanese weddings and related celebrations - from elaborate bridal attire to the formal garments worn by family members and guests. 

Talk soon :)

Maki