children’s day

子供の日 kodomo-no-hi

koinobori 鯉のぼり carp streamer

Families with male offspring celebrate the “boys’ festival” (also called “children’s day”) on May 5th, hang carp flags (koinobori) in the garden as early as April and place samurai dolls (musha-ningyô) in the house. The dolls, which refer to historical warriors and heroes, are supposed to guarantee the son a successful course in life. The carps flying in the wind symbolise strength and power.