Children’s Day is here! Marked as a National Holiday in Japan, this day is celebrated on 5th May and is recognisable by the koi paper displays that pepper the country. Read on to learn more about this special day in honour of kids and parents…
Also known as Tango no Sekku or Feast of Banners, Children’s Day has long been held to wish for the health and success of young boys and Father’s, thus it became associated with manly things. In 1948 the powers-that-were opened it up to lasses and their Mum’s too, which is only fair, and renamed it ‘Kodomo no Hi’ or ‘Children’s Day.’ Families all over Japan take time to think about the importance of kids and parenthood, not to mention tucking in to some pretty irresistible sweeties.
Colourful Koinobori
If you’ve ever visited Japan in April or May you may have been lucky enough to spot these fishy fellas flying above homes across Japan. A symbol of strength, health, courage and success these colourful decorations are flown in honour of boys in the family with number of fish usually corresponding to the number of sons plus dad (and sometimes mum too!). These streamers have a wealth of cultural associations attached to them.
In Chinese mythology there are stories about a carp that tried so hard swimming upstream it eventually turned into a dragon, and these carp look just like they’re swimming too! Children’s Day also has strong historical ties to samurai values, and some families display hand painted banners with family crests echoing those worn by historical Japanese soldiers. If you’re a bit crafty, you could try making your own papercraft carp streamers. Find out how here.
Cool Kabuto
Another awesome Children’s Day decoration is the kabuto. Patterned after traditional samurai armour kabuto helmets, these displays can include a full set of armour, not just the hat! However these days most people don’t have the room (or money) for such luxurious displays. If you want to create your own kabuto, you can make an origami one with newspaper! For more info click here.
Charming Kashiwa Mochi
A traditional snack on Children’s Day, kashiwa mochi is made from deliciously chewy glutinous rice wrapped around red bean paste and covered in an oak leaf. If you’d like to make your own kashiwa mochi, check out our handy recipe.
Jawsome Kintaro
Ok, so we ran out of fun adjectives that start with ‘c’, but this is Children’s Day! Kids love ferocious creatures: dinosaurs, sharks, tigers! They’re all in! So we declare Kintaro officially JAWSOME. According to some legends Kintaro was raised on Mt. Ashigara (on the border of modern day Shizuoka and Hakone prefectures) by a mountain witch. With fantastic strength, a friend to animals of the mountain, and a formidable foe to demons and monsters, it’s no surprise that dolls of his likeness are displayed in homes on Children’s Day.
Don’t forget to check out our Children’s Day display and limited edition treats in Japan Centre store, Piccadilly.
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Want your kids to turn into metaphorical (we hope) dragons? Want to celebrate with some cool limited edition Children’s Day candy? Head down to Japan Centre and unleash your inner bear riding, upstream swimming self.
Thanks to norimutsu nogami at flickr for the image of Kintaro on a bear.
Thanks to Daniel Welch for the koi image.
ThanksC Smith at flickr for the image of the kabuto display.
