May brings the reminder that in
Japan, as in the United States, one of a nation's greatest assets is her
children. May 5 is "Children's Day" in Japan, the day to stress the
importance of respecting the character of children and promoting their health
and happiness. It is also the day for children to express their gratitude for
the tender love and care they receive from their parents.
On this day Japanese families celebrate Tango-no-Sekku, the Boys' Festival. With its special customs and observances, it is Japan's way of celebrating the healthy growth and maturation of boys to men. If one travels through Japan from the latter half of April to early May, one sees nearly everywhere huge, gay-colored Koi-Nobori, carp-like streamers made of paper or cloth, which fill with wind and seem to swim in the air. Together with long red and white ribbons, the carp are hoisted on a bamboo pole, mounted by a pair of gilded pinwheels, high above the rooftops.
A carp is flown for each son in the family, a very large one for the eldest, the others ranging down in size. The carp has become the symbol of the Boys' Festival because the Japanese consider it the most spirited of fish, so full of energy and power that it can fight its way up swift-running streams and cascades. Because of its strength and determination to overcome all obstacles, it stands for courage and the ability to attain high goals. The carp is an appropriate symbol to encourage manliness and the overcoming of life's difficulties leading to consequent success.
On this day Japanese families celebrate Tango-no-Sekku, the Boys' Festival. With its special customs and observances, it is Japan's way of celebrating the healthy growth and maturation of boys to men. If one travels through Japan from the latter half of April to early May, one sees nearly everywhere huge, gay-colored Koi-Nobori, carp-like streamers made of paper or cloth, which fill with wind and seem to swim in the air. Together with long red and white ribbons, the carp are hoisted on a bamboo pole, mounted by a pair of gilded pinwheels, high above the rooftops.
A carp is flown for each son in the family, a very large one for the eldest, the others ranging down in size. The carp has become the symbol of the Boys' Festival because the Japanese consider it the most spirited of fish, so full of energy and power that it can fight its way up swift-running streams and cascades. Because of its strength and determination to overcome all obstacles, it stands for courage and the ability to attain high goals. The carp is an appropriate symbol to encourage manliness and the overcoming of life's difficulties leading to consequent success.
The carp has become the symbol of the Boys' Festival because the Japanese
consider it the most spirited of fish, so full of energy and power that it can
fight its way up swift-running streams and cascades. Because of its strength
and determination to overcome all obstacles, it stands for courage and the
ability to attain high goals. The carp is an appropriate symbol to encourage
manliness and the overcoming of life's difficulties leading to consequent
success.
One legend traces the origin of
the Boys' Festival to Tokimune Hojo's victory over them invading Mongols on May
5, 1282. As a result, Samurai families erected the flags and streamers in
celebration of the victory. Others believe that the unification of the country
by the Ashikaga Shogun in the 14th century had been celebrated in this fashion
on every May 5 until the interior decorations came to be emphasized.
-Drew
http://asianlifestyledesign.com/2011/05/04/celebrating-japan%E2%80%99s-children%E2%80%99s-day/
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