Boys' Day in Japan, officially known as Tango no Sekku (端午の節句), is a traditional festival celebrated on May 5th.
This national holiday, also called Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi), has historical roots as a day specifically dedicated to celebrating boys. The modern interpretation on May 5th focuses on praying for the health, courage, and strong growth of boys.
Key Aspects of Boys' Day (Tango no Sekku)
Based on tradition and the provided reference, several key elements define Boys' Day:
- Date: May 5th
- Purpose: A festival to pray for the health and courage of boys.
- Celebration: Families with sons participate in various customs to wish for their children's well-being and future success.
Traditional Symbols and Customs
Families actively celebrate Boys' Day with specific decorations and activities:
- Koinobori (鯉のぼり): As mentioned in the reference, one of the most iconic symbols is the flying of carp-shaped windsocks called koinobori. Carp are chosen because they symbolize strength, perseverance, and success, based on a Chinese legend of a carp swimming upstream to become a dragon. Families typically fly one large black carp (representing the father), a red or pink carp (the mother), and smaller carps for each son.
- Samurai Dolls and Armor: Families display Gogatsu Ningyo (五月人形), which are samurai dolls or miniature sets of armor and helmets (kabuto). These displays symbolize strength, protection, and bravery, wishing these qualities upon the boys of the family.
- Chimaki (ちまき) and Kashiwa Mochi (かしわ餅): Traditional sweets are eaten. Chimaki are steamed sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves, while Kashiwa Mochi are rice cakes filled with sweet bean paste and wrapped in oak leaves (oak leaves are used because the tree does not drop its old leaves until new ones appear, symbolizing prosperity and continuity for the family lineage).
- Iris Baths: Taking a bath infused with iris leaves (shobu) is another custom. Iris leaves were traditionally believed to ward off evil spirits and promote good health and vitality.
Why is it also called Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi)?
While rooted as a day for boys, Tango no Sekku was designated a national holiday called "Children's Day" (Kodomo no Hi) in 1948. This broader name was intended to encompass the happiness and well-being of all children, both boys and girls, and to show gratitude towards mothers. However, many of the specific customs and decorations associated with the May 5th celebration still distinctly focus on themes related to boys.
Here is a simple overview:
| Name | Date | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Tango no Sekku | May 5 | Traditional name; primarily focused on boys' health and courage |
| Kodomo no Hi | May 5 | Modern national holiday name; encompasses all children's well-being |
In summary, Boys' Day in Japan, or Tango no Sekku, is a significant cultural event on May 5th where families specifically pray for the health and strength of their sons, prominently displayed through customs like flying koinobori and displaying samurai items.
