Kodomo no hi
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Kodomo no hi (こどもの日) is a Japanese national holiday which takes place annually on May 5. It is a day set aside to respect children's personalities and to celebrate their happiness.
It was originally called Tango no Sekku (端午の節句), which may originally be a Chinese festival. From the beginning of history, the fifth month of the Chinese calendar was said to be a month for purification, and many rites that were said to drive away evil spirits were performed in this month. In Japan, Tango no Sekku was assigned to the 5th day of the 5th month after the Nara period.
On this day, families raise the carp-shaped Koinobori flags, one for each boy (or child), and display the traditional Japanese helmet, Kabuto. The Kabuto is the symbol of a strong and healthy boy: although it is not exactly said so, Kodomo no hi is generally said to be a "boy's day". (The girl's day is Hinamatsuri.) Mochi rice cakes wrapped in kashiwa oak leaves are traditionally eaten on this day.
See also
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