May 5th is just around the corner and most people are thinking Cinco de Mayo. Yet, there happens to be another important holiday that is celebrated in Japan on GOGATSU ITSUKA, (5/5) ? Children?s Day!
Actually, May 5th began as Boy?s Day, the counter part of Girl?s Day (3/3). Today it is known as KODOMO NO HI (Children?s Day). This holiday falls during the first week of May which is referred to as Golden Week in Japan. During this time many Japanese companies are closed for a week or longer and most Japanese people are traveling locally or overseas.
While the Japanese people are celebrating Children?s Day, you may notice some of the following:
1.) KOI NOBORI (Carp Flags) - Around this time of the year you will see numerous KOI (Carp) Flags being flown throughout Japan. These flags range from simple to quite elaborate. When I lived in Japan, I was often able to see huge fish waving in the air from a mile away. These KOI flags are meant to represent the boys in the family. Usually, you will find that the number of fish flying in the breeze is equal to the number of young boys running around inside the house!
2.) KABUTO NINGYO (Samurai Helmet Dolls) ? If you?ve seen Tom Cruise?s The Last Samurai, then you know the helmet I am talking about! Most Japanese homes will display either the helmet (KABUTO) or a doll wearing a helmet (KABUTO NINGYO).
3.) TORA. (Tiger) ? In addition to the Samurai Helmet Dolls, you may also find tigers displayed in Japanese homes. Very often, these are bobble head figurines where the head of the tiger (TORA) bounces up and down!
If you are interested in seeing pictures of KODOMO NO HI items, please visit my blog at http://www.japan2america.com, or you my check out my website, http://www.tenchi.us.
So, while you are out enjoying a Margarita Fiesta on Cinco de Mayo, be sure to raise your glass and give a toast to the children in your life as well! You may also decided to forgo the worm in the Tequila and have a goldfish (KOI) instead!
Troy S. Hogg is the owner of Tenchi, LLC and webmaster for http://www.tenchi.us, a site dedicated to helping balance the body, mind, and spirit of its visitors. | |
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