May 5th is Children’s Day, one of Japan’s national holidays.

Originally known as 端午の節句(Tango no Sekku) (Boys’ Festival), it’s a day to celebrate and wish for the healthy growth and happiness of boys. (In contrast, Girls’ Festival is celebrated on March 3rd.) On this day, families enjoy traditional customs while thinking about their children’s well-being.

Around this time of year, you might notice some families decorating their gates or windows with colorful carp-shaped streamers. These are called こいのぼり(Koinobori). The carp is known for its strength and ability to swim upstream, even against waterfalls. People display these streamers with the hope that their children will grow up strong and resilient, just like the carp.
Koinobori come in many sizes—some are several meters long, while others are small enough to be displayed indoors.

Inside the home, some families also display a 兜(kabuto) (samurai helmet) or warrior dolls. These are meant to protect children from illness and misfortune. However, in modern times, fewer families display these items regularly, since storing them can be a challenge and the helmets themselves are a bit expensive. (At our house, we sometimes put ours out… and sometimes not!)

Another tradition is taking a bath with しょうぶ(菖蒲)(shōbu) (sweet flag or iris leaves), called Shōbuyu.
Have you seen bundles of long green leaves being sold in front of supermarkets lately? Those are shōbu leaves, which are believed to ward off evil spirits. Taking a bath with them is said to purify the body and mind and bring good health for the year.
Tonight, we’ll be putting these leaves in our bath!

Eating 柏餅(かしわもち) (kashiwa mochi – rice cakes wrapped in oak leaves) and ちまき (chimaki) is also an important tradition on this day. The oak tree is considered a symbol of family prosperity because its old leaves don’t fall off until new ones grow in. These rice cakes carry a wish for the continuation and happiness of the family line.

ちまき are sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves and steamed. Traditionally eaten on this day, chimaki are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring protection and good health. The shape and wrapping style can vary by region, but they are often associated with strength and safety, particularly for children.

Today is a special day when colorful carp streamers swim through the sky, filled with hopes that boys will grow up strong and healthy.

Whether or not you have a son, enjoy a fragrant soak in a shōbu-yu bath today, savor some kashiwa mochi and chimaki, and celebrate the healthy growth of all children!