Commentary by Hank F. Miller Jr.
In contrast to Mono-no sekku, or the Peach Festival for girls on March 3, this day is to be called Tango- no-sekku, or the Boys Festival. After World War II, May 5 was designated as Children\’s Day and made a national holiday.
Families with sons display warrior dolls and miniature helmets inside the house and fly carp streamers outdoors. The carp has the power to fight its way up fast flowing streams and even waterfalls and therefore, represents the courage and strength expected of boys.
Many Japanese eat chimaki, steamed rice cakes, and kashiwamochi, rice cakes stuffed with sweet bean paste and wrapped in oak leaves, on and around Children\’s Day.
There is also a custom of taking a hot bath with iris leaves in the water on May 5. This special bath is said to be good for the health.
Warm Regards from Kitakyushu City, Japan
Hank F. Miller Jr.
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