Shichi-Go-San
Shichi-go-san (Seven-Five-Three) festival on November 15th in which 5 year old boys and 3 and 7year old girls visit shrines to pray for good health. It is part of the Shinto festivals that mark the stages of human life. A baby's first visit to its tutelary kami soon after its birth; the Shichi-go-san (Seven-Five-Three) festival ; and the traditional wedding ceremony.
Food offerings especially rice, sake, fish, vegetables, and fruit and symbolic offerings of pine branches with white paper strips attached usually feature in important Shinto ceremonies. These are often associated with the seasonal cycles, reflecting Shinto's roots in an agricultural society.
