Shichi-go-san festival is celebrated by Japanese on November 15^th. Festival is celebrated by 3-year-old children, 5-year-old boys and 7-year-old girls. The youngest group of children (3 years old) during  spring have to go through a ritual named Kamioki, after that they can finally grow their hair. Moreover parents give their children a ball of silver silk threads, which symbolizes the old age their parents want them to achieve. During shichi-go-san three years old can finally style their hair. The second group, which is a group of 5-year-old boys is considered to be young men. That’s why they are gifted with hakama –  traditional pleated trousers. Girls who reached 7 years turn into young women, so Japanese give them their first obi belt. Usually during the festival, parents with children go to a temple, where they thank for their children’s health and ask for their wealth and prosperity.

Presented obi belt on one side is full of floral patterns, on the other side it’s empty. The floral decoration represents autumn plants. For example gentian, chrysanthemum and leaves.

 

Japan, 2^nd half of 20^th century

Polyester, 30 x 395 cm

WPŁ/2018/749

 

The obi belt can be viewed in the Museum hall until 3rd of December.