In Japan, May 5th is Children’s Day (Kodomo no hi/子供の日):

Boy’s Day / Children’s Day

Two years ago, I wrote about how my family celebrated Children’s Day for our son. For convenience’s sake, I updated and reposted it here. However, if you wish to read the original post, which includes information about Hatsu zekku (初節句 / First Festival). Please click here.

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Children’s Day in Japan was previously known as Tango no sekku (端午の節句). It was “Boy’s Day.” They renamed the holiday Kodomo no hi after World War II. Despite the name change, it remains a boy-centered festival.

Celebrating Children’s Day in school. The kids made their own kabuto (samurai helmet) with newspapers. Scroll down to the end of this page to see how it’s done.

Like any Japanese household with sons, we displayed the Musha Ningyo (Warrior Dolls), more commonly known as Gogatsu Ningyo (五月人形 / May Dolls). A traditional set can be ridiculously expensive as it includes a splendid samurai armor suit and other exquisite warlike ornaments (i.e. swords, spears, bows, arrows, banners, etc.) Hence, nowadays, most families just use simple and contemporary Musha Ningyo to express the hope that their sons will gain health and happiness as well as samurai virtues such as courage and strength.

Fortunately for us, we had a set handed down from one generation. My husband’s grandparents bought a set for him when he was only a few months old. It was displayed once and then was kept in storage for over 30 years. In 2010, the set was once again a stunning exhibit in the tatami room.

Another prominent Tango no Sekku symbol is the Koinobori (/carp-shaped streamers), which is usually placed on the house’s windiest exterior. The Koinobori is a depiction of carp swimming upstream against strong currents. By hoisting the streamers, parents hope for stamina, strength, determination, and personal advancement for their sons.

Finally, just like every year, my little boy will have his traditional Shobu yu (菖蒲湯 / Japanese Iris Bath) in the regular bathtub with his daddy tonight. The Shobu (菖蒲 / Japanese Iris) is the symbolic plant of Tango no sekku, which is why the festival is also known as Shobu no sekku (菖蒲の節句 / Iris Festival). It has a strong association with Boy’s Day because of its long narrow sword-like leaf and the same sound as 勝負 (Shobu / Fight). Parents hope that their sons will have victory in any match or competition, or otherwise put up a good fight, even in defeat.

 

How to make an Origami Kabuto (Samurai Helmet)

Here is the fourth Golden Week etegami I did, featuring Kodomo no hi.
To all the children of the world, I wish you happiness and health.