When is Children's Day?
Part of Golden Week, Children's Day Festival is celebrated on this day, the fifth of the fifth.
It is a day set aside to respect children's personalities and to celebrate their happiness.
Traditions of Children's Day in Japan
It was designated a National holiday by the Japanese government in 1948.
Families pray for the health and future success of their sons by hanging up koinobori (fabric carp-shaped wind sock streamers) and displaying samurai dolls, both symbolizing strength, power and success in life.
Special treats on Children's Day include eating kashiwamochi (rice cakes filled with bean paste and wrapped in oak leaves). There is also a custom called shobu-yu, of bathing in a hot bath with iris leaves, as a way of dispelling illness and misfortune.
Until recently, it was known as Boys' Day while Girls' Day (Hinamatsuri) was celebrated on March 3rd.
In 1948, the government decreed this day to be a national holiday to celebrate the happiness of all children and to express gratitude toward mothers.
