Boys’ Day/ Children’s Day
Does your family hang flags or wind socks outside your home as a decoration? On May 5, many Japanese parents fly carp-shaped kites in honour of their boys. The carp is a fish. It is a symbol of strength, courage, and determination.
May 5 is Kodomo no hi, or Boys’ Day, Tango no Sekku, in Japan. There are many traditions on this day. Some families display warrior dolls to remind their sons of stories about heroes.
Kodomo no hi is particularly well known for the unique traditions and decorations that are associated with the celebration of the holiday.
In 1948, the Japanese government made this day a double holiday. It started a new national holiday called Children’s Day to honour both boys and girls. Other countries also celebrate Children’s Day. Some of these countries are Argentina, Iceland, Thailand, and Turkey.
Also on this day, families often take baths sprinkled with iris leaves and roots. This is because the iris is thought to promote good health and ward off evil. Rice cakes wrapped in oak leaves and filled with sweet bean paste, called kashiwamochi, are also eaten.
Picture Credit : Google