May 5th is Children's Day in Japan. Traditionally, they hang their carp (koi) flags out, in honor of boys being born. This celebration was created throughout all of Asia. The Chinese legend depicts the boys (carp), swimming upstream and becoming a dragon. The holiday, therefore, used to be Boys Day, Tango no Sekku, as Girls Day is Mar 3, Hinamatsuri ( see blog Mar 3).
In 1948, the government decreed this day to be a national holiday, hence Children's Day, and renamed Kodomo no Hi.
Traditionally, families display a doll of a son riding a carp with a helmet on, symbols of a strong and healthy boy.
I have gathered together Sons and Fathers to celebrated the original Boy's Day.
Here is Mr. Chan with his son, Pi (Pie).
And since our Founding Father wished to be represented here, for purely political reasons, he teamed up with Pinocchio, a natural pairing...Pinocch has wooden teeth too!
Who said the Three Bears were Mama Papa and Baby? Our three bears are Walter Payton, Mike Singletary and Jim McMahon.
Poor little Wolfgang was waving his beer stein so exuberantly, I had to pick him. But where's your Father, I asked him? He had none, so naturally, Macgregor Stewart Ross McBain stepped up to the plate. After they hang their carp, they are heading to the local pub to slam a couple of pints. (It's all cheers for the children, you know... )
Happy Kodomo no Hi to you and your children!!!
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