Wednesday, May 05, 2010

Golden Week

Golden Week in Japan runs from 29 April to 5 May. All the children are out of school and people are out of work.
During this week we CELEBRATE....and keep celebrating....

It begins on 29 April  with the Emperor's Birthday (Tennō tanjōbi) and/or Showa Day (Shōwa no hi). Showa day specifically  honors the birthday of the Shōwa Emperor (Hirohito), the reigning Emperor from 1926 to 1989. The purpose of the holiday is to encourage public reflection on the turbulent 63 years of Hirohito's reign.

3 May is Constitution Memorial Day (Kenpō kinenbi).

4 May is Greenery Day (Midori no hi). A day to commune with nature and enjoy your blessings.

5 May - TODAY - is Children's Day (Kodomo no hi). Traditionally this was "Boys Day" or "Feast of Banners" day. There is a "Girls Day" (hinamatsun) is on 3 March.  In 1948 the holiday was changed to Children's Day to celebrate the happiness of all children and to express gratitude toward mothers.  Here's a bit more info from Wikipedia:
Before this day, families raise the carp-shaped koinobori flags (carp because of the Chinese legend that a carp that swims upstream becomes a dragon, and the way the flags blow in the wind looks like they are swimming), one for each boy (or child), display a Kintarō doll usually riding on a large carp, and the traditional Japanese military helmet, kabuto. Kintarō and the kabuto are symbols of a strong and healthy boy.
Here is a photo of our neighbor's flags. We had three little carp in our yard, but one kept blowing away. I love the idea of a celebration in honor of children.....and the blessing they are to our lives. We'll continue this celebration beyond our time in Japan.

I'm thinking Akiko bring mochi tomorrow.....

Choosing Joy!
©2010 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Sis: Thanks for the info. NEAT! l/p Mom T.