Kodomo no hi: Children’s Day Celebration

In Japan, Kodomo no hi, or “Children’s Day,” is celebrated every year on May 5. On this national holiday, children are respected and honored for their individual strengths and happiness is wished upon them. Children’s Day was originally known as Tango no Sekku (literally nearing the seventh sign of the chinese zodiac, but usually translated as Boys Day)and was a celebration for boys. The holiday was officially changed to celebrate the health and growth of both girls and boys in 1948. Kodomo no hi is particularly well known for the unique traditions and decorations that are associated with the celebration of the holiday.

On Kodomo no hi, Koinobori, or cloth carp streamers, are flown on poles outside of public buildings and private houses to bring luck and good fortune to the children inside. Koi fish, or Carp, are believed to be strong, spirited fish and are revered for their determination in fighting as they swim upstream and through powerful waterfalls. Koinobori symbolize the desire for children to become brave and strong individuals.

Within their homes, Japanese families also display kabuto, samurai helmets, and/or gogatsu-ningyo, samurai dolls and their armaments. The samurai dolls often represent traditional folktale characters such as Kintaro and Momotaro who symbolize courage and strength. Children eat kashiwa-mochi, or rice cakes stuffed with bean paste and wrapped in oak leaves which symbolize strength. Chimaki, or dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves, are also consumed. Iris flowers, which correspondingly bloom in early May, are symbolically placed in homes to ward off evil. In addition, it is customary to take baths known as syobuyu, which are filled with floating iris leaves.

Koinobori Song

やねよりたかいこいのぼり
おおきいまごいはおとうさん
ちいさいひごいはこどもたち
おもしろそうにおよいでる

(Romanized lyrics)

Yane yori takai koinobori

Ookii magoi wa otoosan

Chiisai higoi wa kodomo tachi

Omoshirosoo ni oyoideru

(English translation)

Carp streamers are higher than the roof

The biggest carp is the father

The small carp are children

Enjoying swiming in the sky