Thursday, May 10, 2012

Boys Day

I've written about Golden Week and "Children's Day" or "Boys Day" before.  Now - Girls have a day to be celebrated - Hinamatsuri on 3 March. No one questions that March 3rd is "Girls Day".  I plan to buy Arielle and Stacia a set of hinamatsuri dolls before we leave Japan. I best remember that NEXT YEAR. I'll blog more about it then. 

  Traditionally, May 5th, is "Boys Day" - but in 1948 that was changed to "Children's Day." Nevertheless, my Japanese friends up here continue to call it a BOYS DAY celebration. Late in April or early in May "Carp Flags" or kites begin to show up. Traditionally a big black one for the father, a red one for the mother and then different colored ones for each son.  I also plan to buy koinobori (carp flags) before we leave.  Here are a few shots of koinobori that a friend in Okinawa took, which I borrowed.


Carps, according to legend, swim upstream and become dragons. Koi (carp) are symbols of a boy's strength and determination.

Another symbol for Boys Day (which is literally 5th of May but I can't quite remember all the Japanese) is the kabuto (samurai helmet). This is also a symbol of strength.

Last night Akikosan brought paper for us to do some seasonal crafts.




MY carp had a bit of personality....

We all made kabutos but Nolan got the big one
Check out the snacks.....


Dried Ramen noodles, Strawberry Crunky, mouse shaped consume flavored puffs, star shaped chocolate treats!

Choosing Joy!
©2012 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

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