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Kodomo-no-hi
by W.Holidays

May 5

Kodomo-no-hi is Children's Day and it is one of the most popular national holidays in Japan.  Though it is called Children's Day this holiday is celebrated as "Boy's day".  Girls have their own day, Hinamatsuri.  On Kodomo-no-hi families drive bad spirits away and celebrate the prospects of their son's future. Warrior samurai dolls are put on display in the home.  Koinobori, carp streamers, are flown on flagpoles and from balconies.  Children participate in an ancient ritual, syobuyu, taking a bath with iris leaves floating in the water.  In addition, kashiwa-mochi (rice cake wrapped in an oak leaf) and chimaki (dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves) are served.  All these figures: the carp, the samurai, irises, oak trees, and bamboos symbolize strength.

Make a Carp Windsock

modified: April 23. 2008