Last year on this same day I also wrote a blog on Boy’s day. It is also known as Tango no sekku, which marks the beginning of summer. It is a day filled with rich symbolism and tradition. The three main symbols of the holiday that represent the qualities boys were expected to possess are:
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Musha ningyo or warrior doll
These are dolls dressed in traditional samurai armor which are placed in a special alcove. They represent masculine qualities of strength and bravery. They are also accompanied by a miniature helmet or kabuto.
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Koinobori or carp banner
It is a piece of linen that resembles a hollow fish-shape. Families often put up this banner, which in the wind looks like carp swimming upstream. Carp resembles strength and the fighting spirit. Custom on Boy’s day is to fly a big carp kite.
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Shobu or iris flower
In Japanese, this word also can be translated to mean striving or success. Furthermore, iris leaves are sword-shaped, resembling the samurai tradition. This is where the famous chimaki (confections wrapped in iris leaves) evolved. Another tradition is to eat Kashiwa mochi (which are wrapped in oak leaves), another symbol of strength.
Happy Boy’s Day!
