Kodomo no Hi

The Kodomo no Hi (こどもの日, Children's Day) is a national day in Japan that takes place on May 5 and honors the personality of the children and their happiness is celebrated. It was designated a national holiday by the Japanese government in 1948. And it has been a day of celebration in Japan since ancient times.

History

Its name was originally Tango no Sekku (端午の節句), which it may have been originally. Since the beginning of history it has been said that May is a month for purification, and many rites that were supposed to ward off evil spirits were performed then. For this reason, the date was set at May 5 after the Nara period.

Until recently, Tango no Sekku was known as "Children's Day" (also known as Flag Festival), while Girls' Day (Hinamatsuri) was celebrated on March 3. In 1948, the government decreed this day to be a national holiday to celebrate the happiness of all children and to express gratitude towards mothers. His name was changed to Kodomo no Hi.

Celebration

On this day, families fly carp-shaped koinobori kites, one for each child (sometimes for each male child) and display the traditional Japanese headgear, kabuto i>. The kabuto is a symbol of a strong and healthy male child.

Kintarō (金太郎) is the childhood name of Sakata no Kintoki who was a hero in the Heian period, a subordinate of Minamoto no Raikou's samurai, having been famous for his strength when He was a boy.

Mochi are rice cakes wrapped in Kashiwa (Quercus or Oak) leaves- Kashiwa-mochi (mochi filled with red bean jam) and Chimaki (a kind of "sweet rice paste", wrapped in an iris or bamboo leaf) are traditionally served on this day.