Children's Day in Japan

Flying of Koinobori

The Japanese have always been popular because of how beautiful their culture is. The celebrations arranged on Children’s Day is definitely one of the reasons for the country’s uniqueness. What’s fascinating about the celebrations done on this holiday is the fact that each activity executed has some symbol or meaning to it. Several activities are being held during the holiday and one of those include the raising or flying of the koinobori which is observed all over Japan. ‘Koinobori’, being the symbol for the Children’s Day, could be seen anywhere in the country. Koinobori are carp-shaped flags prepared just for this day. These carp-shaped flags (a carp is a type of freshwater fish) or fish-shaped flags are going to be raised and flown as part of the celebration of the Children’s Day. Because of its appearance, upon raising, it looks like there are fishes swimming in the sky, which would always make both the children and adults left admiring it. These carp-shaped streamers flown on the same day is something one could not see very often. Raising the koinobori is the main event during this day and is expected to be observed all around the country. Japanese people would normally prepare for these carp-shaped flags ahead of time to make sure it was exquisitely beautified. What’s fascinating about this carp-shaped flags though, aside from the fact that it’s very pleasant to look at since its multicolored, is the meaning associated with it. The Japanese believed that the carps symbolize bravery, perseverance, and courage. Thus, by using them as basis in creating the streamers/flags, they also hope that their children would also acquire the same traits as they grow older and face bigger challenges.

Before these flags/streamers are raised, it is typical for the Japanese to make sure that the carp on the topmost part with the largest size is the black carp (called Magoi) since this represents the father, followed by a smaller carp usually in red color or sometimes pink (called Higoi) which should represent the mother, and the last carp at the bottom part should represent the child/children. The children’s carp color could either be blue, green, yellow, or orange. The number of colored fish-shaped flags found at the bottom part (below the parents’ carps) represent the number of child/children a family has. At present, during the holiday, these fish-shaped flags could be seen anywhere in Japan, not just on the Japanese families’ balconies, but even in places like shops, restaurants, parks, monuments, and others.

Samurai Doll

Displaying a samurai doll of famous warriors or decorating it with helmet miniatures/ samurai helmets called ‘kabuto’ is another customary practice done by the Japanese during the celebration of the Children’s Day. These decorations are usually found in the living room of a typical Japanese family. For most kids, making a samurai helmet out of paper is also another exciting activity. They would even make sure that it’s big enough so they can wear it outside. While some kids do this, there are also other children who prefer to participate to events arranged for this holiday. During the celebration, a kyogen is also held at some place (before, it was in Yokohama Noh Theater) and is open for children who are willing to join. A ‘kyogen’ is a comic theater arranged for the day wherein the participants are children, showing their talents in acting/performing. Families, friends, and relatives would come to watch this event together with other spectators who wanted to support and enjoy the performances of the little kids.

Syobuyu

In addition, another Japanese tradition practiced during this holiday is also taking a hot bath on water filled with floating iris leaves and roots. These baths are called ‘syobuyu’. The Japanese people primarily believed that by having these type of baths, they can ward off the misfortune and all other evil things away from their lives.

Common Foods Frepared on Children's Day