May – Kodomo-no-Hi Updated in May 2018

Kodomo-no-Hi or Children’s Day in Japan falls on May 5 every year. People wish for the well-being of their children. It is also an occasion to celebrate the prosperity of young boys, just like Hinamatsuri or Girls’ Day on March 3.

The custom to ward off sickness during the month of May (lunar calendar) originated in China because many people used to die from seasonal epidemic diseases. To repel evil, plants with medicinal properties like iris and wormwood were decorated at the entrance of each home. This custom came to Japan during the 8th century as an occasion to ward off sickness for the whole family, particularly children. Reflecting this ritual, Japanese people started to put iris leaves in hot bath water to improve blood circulation.

After the 13th century, this custom spread among the bushi or warrior class and doubled as a celebration for boys born into bushi families. Families with boys would display traditional dolls wearing armored costumes, so that the dolls would suffer danger in place of the young boy. Also, kashiwa-mochi, a special type of sweet soft rice-cake wrapped in oak leaves are widely eaten at this time of year, because oak leaves never fall off before the buds mature. It implied that the family line would never be broken. After World War II, the Japanese government specified May 5 to be a holiday for all children including boys and girls. On May 5, many parks, museums and tourist attractions around Japan admit visitors free of charge.

At this time of year, you might also see many fish-shaped wind streamers in the air. They are supposed to resemble swimming carps. These streamers are hung outside the home, in large parks and school yards. Because carps swim up against the current, they symbolize the future success of young children against challenging circumstances. As the family grows, more number of baby carps would be added to the collection. This month we introduce you to some events related to Kodomo-no-Hi.