Check back to see a new proverb every week!

Children's Day in Japan

Tango-no-Sekku

Around the end of April, all around Japan, you begin to see colorful streamers flying from poles. A closer look reveals that they are shaped like fish, carp to be exact.

The streamers are flown to celebrate Children's Day on May 5th every year. Traditionally, it is Boys' Day Tango-no-Sekku today; Girls' Day is celebrated on 3rd March. Sometimes, both are celebrated on May 5th as it is also a national holiday in Japan. Then it is called kodomo no hi : children's day.

Koi-Nobori, or carp streamers. The carp fish is a symbol of strength, courage and energy. These are qualities that the Japanese value in boys, from the ancient times of Samurai warriors. There will be one carp for each boy in the family, diminishing in size as one goes from the older to younger boys.

The home may be decorated by dolls and accoutrements of famous samurai warriors. Traditional rice dumplings kashiwamochi can be made.

News for Kidz Home    Children's Day   Site Map

Read more:

Children making news
Theories of how it started
Pictures of Koi-Nobori
Samurai dolls
Explain symbols of carp and samurai
Cultural Calendar of Japan
Festivals
© 2003 Meenakshi Suri