Introduction
Shichi-Go-San, literally "seven-five-three," is a Japanese celebration held around November 15. Children turn out in their finest clothes and are photographed, and girls aged 3 and 7 and boys aged 3 and 5 are marked as having reached a milestone. Many families visit a shrine, but Christian families in Japan often use the day to thank God for the child's growth and to pray for the years ahead. This page offers 17 messages sorted by who is writing: grandparents, friends from church, a pastor or Sunday school teacher, and a set of short lines for a card or a text. Choose one, add the child's name and a real memory, and send it.
Messages from Grandparents
A grandparent's words stay with a child and the parents for a long time. Call the child by name, thank God, and promise your prayers.
"Happy Shichi-Go-San, [name]! You have grown so much that Grandpa and Grandma thank God with all our hearts. Your festival clothes look wonderful on you. Keep growing up, loved by God and full of health."
"Congratulations on turning five, [name]! I pray for you every day. Jesus is always beside you, so grow up without fear. I can't wait to see you again soon."
"Congratulations on this special day. We thank God for helping our grandchild grow up healthy, and we thank you, [name] and [name], for everything you give every day. We will keep praying for your little one."
"[name], when I saw your photo in a kimono, I smiled at once. You are a gift from God, and you will always be the treasure of Grandpa and Grandma."
Psalm 127:3
"Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward."
The psalmist sings of children as a gift from God. A child does not belong to the parents or the grandparents, but is entrusted to them. When a grandparent adds this verse to a Shichi-Go-San card, it says plainly that the birth and growth of the grandchild are received with thanksgiving. Read all of Psalm 127.
Messages from Friends at Church
A note from church is warmest when it mentions the child as you see them on Sunday. Keep it short, and include the whole family in your prayer.
"Happy Shichi-Go-San, [name]! Thank you for your cheerful voice in Sunday school. The whole church is glad to watch you grow. May God keep you safe."
"To [name]'s family: congratulations on this celebration. Every time I see those small hands folded in prayer, my heart is warmed. May God's blessing rest richly on your home."
"For [name]'s celebration, I pray with all my heart that you will grow up healthy and love Jesus. As your church family, we will keep watching over you with affection."
"Well done, [name]! You can sit quietly through the service now. God sees even your small steps forward. We are celebrating this day with you."
Messages from a Pastor or Sunday School Teacher
Speak to the child in simple words, and tell the parents how much you respect their effort. Keep a respectful tone, as in a letter.
"Happy Shichi-Go-San, [name]! Jesus welcomes little children with joy. Keep growing up close to him."
"Dear [name] and [name], we celebrate your child's growth with all our hearts. A child is a life that God entrusts to us. In days of joy and in days of doubt, please remember that the church walks and prays with you."
"[name], from the day you were born until today, God has watched over you without forgetting a single day. We give thanks, and we pray that the coming year will be full of his blessing too."
"From your Sunday school teacher: [name], your eyes shine when you listen to the Bible stories, and that makes me happy every time. Congratulations! We will keep learning together, you who are loved by Jesus."
Mark 10:14
"But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation, and said to them, “Allow the little children to come to me! Don’t forbid them, for God’s Kingdom belongs to such as these."
Jesus was indignant with the disciples who turned the children away, and he asked that they be allowed to come to him, because God's Kingdom belongs to such as these. Read by a pastor or teacher at the celebration, this verse reminds the whole family that the child is precious and welcome before God. Read all of Mark 10.
Short Lines for a Card or a Text
A few words are enough to carry joy and prayer. Here are lines you can tuck into the corner of a card or send in a message on your phone.
"Happy Shichi-Go-San! May God bless you."
"Congratulations, [name]! Your festival clothes make everyone smile."
"Thinking of you on this special day, with thanks and in prayer."
"Congratulations to the whole family gathered for this celebration. May God keep you."
"[name], how you have grown! Jesus must be so happy to see you like this."
Numbers 6:24-26
"‘Yahweh bless you, and keep you. Yahweh make his face to shine on you, and be gracious to you. Yahweh lift up his face toward you, and give you peace.’"
This blessing is one that God's people have spoken over each other for a very long time: may the Lord keep you, be gracious to you and give you peace. It makes a perfect close to a Shichi-Go-San card. Write it quietly, with the child's name in mind. Read all of Numbers 6.
How to Write Your Own Shichi-Go-San Message
Use the child's name and age. Writing "you are three now" or "your seventh birthday celebration" is enough to make the message one of a kind.
Speak to the child directly. Avoid complicated words, and keep the writing clear if someone will read it aloud to them.
Avoid words that suggest shrine purification or protection from evil. In a Christian family, words like thanksgiving, blessing and "God keep you" are more fitting.
Add a line for the parents. Saying "you have walked this child so well to this day" is a real encouragement for parents who give themselves every day.
Do not compare the child with others. Speak not about how fast they have grown, but about who they are and about God's love.
Promise prayer only if you will pray. "I pray for you every day" carries weight only when it is true.
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Shichi-Go-San?
The traditional date is November 15, but many families pick a weekend in October or November. In a church, the children concerned can also be prayed for during the nearest Sunday service.
How can a Christian family celebrate Shichi-Go-San?
Instead of receiving a purification at a shrine, many families thank God at church, share a family meal and take a keepsake photo. Each family decides according to its faith, and can talk it over with its pastor.
Can I add a Bible verse to the card?
Yes, a verse that rejoices in a child's growth is very welcome. Choose a short text such as Psalm 127:3 or Numbers 6:24-26 and give the reference, so that the child can find it again later.