Children’s day, which is also known
“Boys' Festival” (Girls' Festival or Hinamatsuri, is celebrated on March
3), is a national holiday in Japan and is
celebrated on 5 May. This day was originally known Tango no Sekku (端午の節句), a seasonal festival which marked the start of summer.
On this day, families pray for the health and success of their
sons. Symbols of strength such as dolls
of famous legendary characters known for their courage (a popular character is
Kintaro, a child hero known for his strength and bravery who grew up to be a
famous samurai) and samurai helmets (kabuto) are put up inside the house.
Outside the house, carp streamers (koi nobori こいのぼり) are hoisted. The carp
streamers look like carps swimming when they blow in the wind. Carps are believed to be strong, spirited fish, capable of
swimming upstream against the current. They are an expression of the wish that the boys will grow strong and be able to successfully face the challenges that life will bring.
Kashiwa-mochi, a rice cake stuffed with bean paste and wrapped in an oak leaf, is also traditionally eaten on this day. Oak trees, like samurai and carp are also a symbol of strength.
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