Children’s Day is known as “Children’s Day” overseas (in English-speaking countries). Worldwide, “June 1” and “November 20” are the standard dates. Of these, June 1 is “International Children’s Day,” which was established by the World Congress on the Welfare of Children held in Geneva in 1925. It was adopted mainly by countries that were in the communist bloc at the time (China, Mongolia, Vietnam, Russia, Poland, Cuba, etc.), and even today about 20% of the countries and regions in the world designate this day as Children’s Day. Various other days have been established around the world.
Children’s Day in Japan
In Japan, May 5 is designated as Children’s Day and is a national holiday. Incidentally, May 5 is also designated as Children’s Day in South Korea. Why is Children’s Day on May 5 in Japan? During the Edo period, there was an important day to celebrate the Shogun at Edo Castle, which was May 5, Tango-no Sekku. Tango-no Sekku is an event that was introduced to China from the Nara period (710-794) to celebrate the birth of a boy and to pray for his healthy growth. The May dolls (* refers to armor, helmet, warrior, and children’s general dolls) are displayed, and carp streamers are raised.
In the early Edo period, a banner with the family crest dyed on it *was placed on the back during battles, and a fukinagashi *was placed on the doorstep as a sign to the gods and to pray for the healthy growth of the boy. These were called “buke decorations. Instead, townspeople decorated their doors with banners depicting lively carp in imitation of samurai decorations in the mid-Edo period (mid-1900s). The small carp hung at the top of the banner eventually became a large carp on its own. The reason why carp are called “koi” is because of the legend “Noborinmon,” which means “rising dragon gate” in Japanese.
A gateway to success is a gateway to success in life, or an important test that marks an important crossroad in one’s life. The Dragon Gate is a rapid in the middle reaches of the Yellow River in China, and according to legend, a carp that climbs the gate will turn into a dragon.
Children’s Day Customs
Another custom on Children’s Day is to bathe in iris baths.
Dragon Boat Festival originated in ancient China as an event to drive away evil spirits at the beginning of the month. Since the rainy season in May brings an increase in illness and misfortune, irises are used in this event to ward off evil spirits. The strong fragrance of iris is believed to purge evil spirits, and so iris were used to ward off evil spirits. Not only were irises used as iris baths, but they were also soaked in sake and drunk.
During the Heian period (794-1185), the custom of using irises for Tango-no Sekku was introduced, and Tango-no Sekkai was held as a court event. People wore irises or decorated themselves with rounded irises. From the Kamakura period to the Edo period, Tango-no Sekku was recognized as a boys’ event. As the society at that time was based on the warrior class, people wished that boys would grow up to be strong and robust by using iris, which were associated with words such as “victory” and “noblesse oblige.
Tango-no Sekku
On Tango-no Sekku, there is also the custom of eating “Kashiwa Mochi” (rice cake with sweet bean paste wrapped in oak leaves). Originating in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1867), the oak tree is characterized by its leaves that remain attached through the winter and fall off when new leaves start to sprout. Because it does not lose its leaves until a successor is born, it is considered a tree of good luck. The custom is to eat Kashiwa Mochi, a rice cake wrapped in auspicious oak leaves, on Tango-no Sekku to wish for the healthy growth of a boy.
There is also the custom of eating “chimaki” (rice cake wrapped in a thinly sliced oak leaf). This custom also has its origin in ancient Chinese history. In ancient China, there was a famous and loyal poet named Kugen. He was also involved in politics and was supported by many people. However, according to a legend, he was driven out of his country by a conspiracy by those who did not like him, and threw himself into a river. The grieving people threw chimakis into the river so that Kusuhara would not be eaten by fish.
Because of this legend, chimakis are considered “a symbol of loyalty” in China. Therefore, they fed chimaki to their children in the hope that they would grow up to be loyal. The custom of eating chimaki on Dragon Boat Festival arose because the day Kusuhara entered the water was May 5, and spread throughout western Japan, especially in the Kinki region where the capital was located at that time. Although history suggests that it is a day for boys, it is a day of celebration for all children to “respect the character of children, measure their happiness, and give thanks to their mothers.
