children's day in Japan
In 1948, the Japanese government established May 5th as a national holiday called Children's Day (こどもの日) under the "National Holidays Act."
This festive date has its roots in the ancient Chinese seasonal festivals, known in Japan as Sekku (節句). There are five such seasonal festivals throughout the year, each marking a change of season. During these times, people offered prayers and decorated their homes with seasonal symbols to ward off illness and misfortune.
These customs were introduced to Japan during the Nara period (710-794), and by the Kamakura period (1185-1333), the celebration on May 5th had evolved into a special festival dedicated to boys, praying for their healthy growth and future success.
How We Celebrate May 5th in Japan
Koinobori (鯉のぼり) - Carp Streamers
Families decorate the outside of their homes with colourful carp-shaped banners called koinobori. The carp is a symbol of strength and perseverance, inspired by a Chinese legend: a fish that successfully swims upstream and climbs the Ryumon Waterfall is transformed into a dragon. Many tried and failed - only the carp succeeded, earning its place as a symbol of success and determination.
Originally, the custom of raising carp streamers began among the samurai class to celebrate the birth of a boy. Over time, it spread to merchants and commoners during the Edo period (1603-1868), becoming a joyful tradition across Japan.
Kabuto (兜) - Samurai Helmets
Inside the home, families display a kabuto (helmet) or a full set of samurai armour. Historically, samurai would air out their armour before the rainy season, but this custom transformed into a symbolic act - praying for the health, strength, and prosperity of boys, and for the safety of the family.
Kashiwa-mochi (柏餅) - Oak Leaf Rice Cakes
Another beloved tradition is eating Kashiwa-mochi - sticky rice cakes filled with sweet red bean paste and wrapped in oak leaves. The oak tree's leaves do not fall until new buds appear, symbolising the continuation of family lines and blessings for future generations.
Shobu-yu (菖蒲湯) - Iris Bath
On this day, many people also take a bath with iris leaves and roots (shobu). Irises have long been valued for their healing properties and their power to ward off evil spirits. Their fragrance is refreshing and calming, and the bath is believed to relieve back pain and stiffness while promoting good circulation.
Children's Day is more than just a festive occasion - it's a heartfelt celebration of life, family, and the hopes we hold for the next generation. It reminds us to nurture strength, kindness, and gratitude - qualities that help us grow and flourish, just like the carp that becomes a dragon.