Hello everyone,
I hope you're all doing well. This is Keko from the online staff.
The fifth of May is a national holiday.
"Tango no Sekku," which translates to "Boys' Day" or "Children's Day" in English, is a traditional Japanese celebration observed annually on May 5th.
This day is dedicated to wishing for the health, happiness, and success of boys in the family.
In households across Japan, various decorations are put up to mark the occasion.
One of the most iconic decorations is the "koinobori," or carp streamers. These colorful streamers are flown outside homes and represent the strength and determination of the carp as it swims upstream.
According to Japanese folklore, the carp transforms into a dragon once it successfully climbs a waterfall, making the carp a symbol of perseverance and success. By displaying koinobori, families express their hopes for their sons' growth and achievements.
Another common decoration for Tango no Sekku is the "kabuto," or samurai helmet.
These helmets symbolize strength, courage, and protection. It's believed that by displaying kabuto, children are safeguarded from harm and misfortune, reflecting parents' wishes for their sons' safety and well-being.
Households with a son will finish decorating their house by the middle of April.
Traditionally, the father or the grandfather of the son decorates the house, but such a tradition has become less important.
On Kodomo no hi, we eat Chimaki (Rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves) or Kashiwa mochi (Rice cakes wrapped in oak leaves)
The tradition of eating Chimaki comes from China. The tradition of eating Kashiwa mochi originated in Japan.
Tango no Sekku is not only a day for celebrating individual boys but also a day to honor the importance of children's growth and development in society.
Through these traditional decorations and festivities, families come together to express their love and aspirations for the young boys in their lives.