Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi- こどもの日) is a Japanese national holiday, which takes place annually on May 5th and is part of Golden Week. It’s a holiday aimed at boys.
In Japan, boys and girls are traditionally honored on separate days, with Boys’ Day and Girls’ Day.
Girls have their day, Hina-matsuri, or “Girls’ Day”, unlike Kodomo no Hi, Hina Matsuri is not considered a National holiday. In these small details, we realize that Japan continues to be a nation that distinguishes between Men and Women, giving preference, of course, to Men.
However, Children’s Day dates back to the Second World War, being celebrated on the same Boys’ Day, on May 5th. The date was designated a national holiday by the Japanese government in 1948.
Originally called Tango no sekku – 端午の節句 (boys’ day), this date had been celebrated since the Nara Era. Although the date is now also known as Children’s Day, the customs remain practically the same.
Families express their respect for children by raising Koinobori (colorful carp in the shape of windsocks and flags) in their homes as a way of wishing strength to their children. Families decorate their living rooms with miniature helmets, armor, swords, bows and arrows representing the heroes Kintaro, Shoki and Momotaro. These heroes are also part of the mixed Koinobori.
It is also common to see flag carp hanging in long lines in various rivers and canals throughout Japan.
- But why did the carp (Koinobori) become the biggest symbol of Boys’ Day?
According to a legend, a carp swam against a waterfall and when it reached the top, it transformed into a dragon. This means that the carp can swim against large currents and this represents for the Eastern people the strength and courage that everyone must have to overcome the difficulties and adversities in life.
National Holiday: May 5th, Children’s Day.