Tango no Sekku May 5th is Tango no Sekku端午の節句 (Boys’ Day), or more commonly known as Kodomo-no-hi (Children’s Day), a day for wishing for the health and future career success of boys. ARMOR/DOLL DISPLAY KOINOBORI DISPLAY Families often display Koi- nobori (carp-shaped wind- socks) outside their house on Boy’s Day. This tradi- tion is said to have begun in the Edo period (1603- 1868). Originally made only in black, other colors and shapes were added to rep- resent a family of carps. Koi (carp) symbolizes strength and success—according to legend, a carp swam up- stream to become a dragon. Now smaller streamers are available for people who May 5th is Children’s Day, when families celebrate the live in apartments to display health and happiness of children. It became a national holi- on their balconies. day in 1948 and has commonly been celebrated as a festival for boys, or “Tango no Sekku”—a counterpart to the March 3rd Girls’ Day. The tradition of displaying armor, IRIS BATH helmets, and swords (above), which symbolize strength and On May 5th many families take a courage, is said to have begun in hot bath sprinkled with Japanese iris Kamakura period (1185-1333). leaves and roots. Iris is said to ward The warrior figures (right) are off evil and bad luck. People also also believed to protect boys make ornaments out of iris leaves to from misfortune and diseases. wish for the health of boys. FESTIVAL FOOD - Each Boys’ day dish has a unique meaning! Follow us for more about Japan and our events! Chimaki Rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves said to Buri (Yellowtail) ward off evil spirits. As this fish grows its name changes just like a samurai’s name @JapanEmbDC changes as they grow in status. Kashiwa-mochi Takenoko Rice cakes wrapped in People hope their Kashiwa Oak leaves said boys grow up tall to ward off evil and bring Katsuo (Bonito) and quickly just like @JapanEmbDC prosperity. The name of this fish in Japanese sounds bamboo shoots. like the Japanese word for “victory.” @JICCJapanEmbDC Source: Web Japan. JNTO..