Sunday, May 05, 2013

Children's Day in Japan

It's Cinco De Mayo Day (May 5) in the states.  In Japan, it's Children's Day (changed from Boy's Day in 1948).  We celebrate it at our house by putting up koinobori  (carp streamers).  Carp are considered the most spirited of fish and because of its strength and determination to overcome all obstacles, it became the symbol of hope for boys to succeed in life.

We also eat kashiwa-mochi, which is a rice cake stuffed with sweet red bean paste and wrapped in an oak leaf.  The oak tree is considered sacred, and because old leaves do not fall off until new buds appear, they are a symbol of a continuous family line. 
We also display the samurai dolls in armor.  Since ancient times,  the armor, helmet and sword of gogatsu-ningyo have symbolized the hope of physically protecting boys.
                                                                                                                                                                                                        
 



The day ends by putting shobu, the Japanese iris that somewhat resembles a sword in shape, into the hot-bath.  The word shobu, although written with different characters, implies striving for success.  Shobu-yu is also said to have a medical effect.  It was believed to purge human bodies of noxious vapors. 

So happy Children's Day (and Cinco de Mayo)!  It's a public holiday here.  We enjoyed a nice day at the park.  :)    

Taiga wearing kabuto (samurai hat) that mommy made.


16 comments:

Miu Nakamura said...

The event of Japan is exiting!

Anonymous said...

samurai doll looks expensive

Kotori Niwano said...

I have never entered the Shoubu-You.I was surprised!

Kotori Niwano said...

I have never entered the Shoubu-Yu.
I was surprised!

Shino Kobayashi said...

It looks awesome :)!!

Anonymous said...

Your son likes a samurai!

Akihiro Murata

Anonymous said...

I think I do not remember that Children's Day, but it became a good day for your child. from Hokuto Ikarashi

Anonymous said...

the mochi looks delicious :P yum

Kim Namki said...

Oh, Mr.Conrad.
your son is very cute and good looking!

Yuki Ikeda said...

Taiga is very Cute!
I think more, and wanted to let you know the Japanese culture by all means.

Unknown said...

An armour becomes your son!

Unknown said...

Hello,I'm Shinji Yasutake.

I have NOT known that the boy's day was children's day.
I get a new knowledge:)

Unknown said...

The last picture is very nice.
Your son looks very enjoyed it.
And also hand-made kabuto is so nice.

Anonymous said...

I am 3bpe2128 Yoshiyuki Yazawa of Tokai university.
It is novel to put a carp streamer in the house.

Unknown said...

I'm Mahmoud I think it's very interesting for children and they spent fun time that's cool for them

Salem said...

New information for me !!! good to know more about Japanese culture.
Taiga will grow up and be a Samurai one day.