MAY 5 IS Boys' Day. Tango-no-sekku , as it is called, is celebrated to motivate young boys to become spirited and healthy. On this day, cloth carp banners are seen flying throughout Japan
because the carp symbolizes the epitome of indomitable will. Parents hope that their young
sons, seeing the banners flying in the wind, will be inspired by the carp's fighting spirit. Carp
are known for their tenacity, steadfastness, and willingness to surmount nature's obstacles.
They are such spirited fish that they have been seen swimming up waterfalls and against swift
currents.
The giant cloth carp seen flying over roofs or on poles are not only bright in color, they
are very long. Some approach nine meters in length, and they are hung with even longer red
and white streamers. Huge cloth carp banners are more prevalent in open , rural areas where
they can fly freely in the wind
Inside the house on Boys' Day, the tokonoma usually becomes a center of visual delight for young boys and their guests. The selected area becomes a showcase for masculine dolls that
represent famous heroes from Japanese history and legend. Usually included in the exhibit are
miniature helmets or kabuto, miniature suits of armor or yoroi , swords, bow and arrows, and
other martial items, some of which are beautifully embellished with gold and lacquer. A also
included in the display is chimaki , a sweet rice cake shaped like a cone and wrapped in a bamboo leaf. On Boys' Day th e chimaki is served and eaten. Another special food for this day is a rice cake th at con tains anko, sweet bean paste, and is wrapped in an oak leaf. This confection is called kashiwa mochi.
The custom of tango-no-sekku originated in China in the seventh or eighth century, thenspread to Korea and Japan. It was celebrated in all three of these countries, but in Japan there
was a martial influence on the festival. Samurai families during the Edo period placed battle
flags and streamers along with other trappings of war in front of their homes on this day. T he
martial decorations became an important element in the displays that were set up inside the home.
Also closely associated with Boys' Day is the Japanese iris, or shobu. Thus May 5 is sometimes called the Festival of the Iris. On this day people take hot baths in water containing
iris leaves. This ancient custom was born of the belief that iris leaves have the power to
drive out evil spirits. Some public bathhouses open early on May 5 and place fresh green iris
leaves in the hot water. The aroma of the fresh leaves makes the water very inviting. In ancient
times, iris leaves were also thought to have the power to put out fires. The custom of
placing iris leaves on the eaves of houses as talismans against fires is still occasion ally observed
in some rural areas on May 5.
These are some of the decorations and symbols to be seen on the 5th of May. What is more
impressive to the foreigner is that the day has, since ancient times, been set aside for boys. It
can be seen as a sign that the Japanese respect the nature of children and are deeply committed
to promoting their happiness and proper development.
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