In November, the Los Angeles Gedatsu Church will observe the Seven-Five-Three (or Shichi-Go-San) Festival, the traditional Japanese ritual that celebrates the well-being and healthy futures of children. The festival is open to the community, and all children, who have reached the ages of seven, five and three years, are welcome to participate with their families.

In the Japanese tradition, the Gedatsu Church observes this auspicious occasion with a special prayer before the Ujigami local guardian shrine, offering thanks for the children’s healthy and safe development. Each child is given a colorfully decorated bag containing the traditional chitose ame (literally meaning “a thousand years”) candy in appreciation for the child’s vitality and long life.  Following the ceremony, lunch will be served for attending families.

Applications forms for participation in the festival are available at the Los Angeles Church office.