Children’s Day

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In Japan, Children’s Day (“Kodomo no hi”) is celebrated on May 5—and is the final national holiday of the country’s Golden Week. The holiday is a “double fifth” day (for May 5, or 5/5) and was originally called “Tango-no-Sekku,” or Boy’s Day, based on the Chinese zodiac (with Girl’s Day held on the third day of the third month). However, in 1948, the Japanese government officially changed Boy’s Day to Children’s Day in order to wish for happiness and good health for all children.

Still, many of the customs that occur on Children’s Day are based, at least in part, on Boy’s Day traditions. For example, families with boys often fly carp-shaped streamers (“koinobori”) outside of their homes, as the carp is believed to symbolize courage, strength, and success. These streamers or flags typically include a black carp to represent the father, a red or pink carp to represent the mother, and smaller carp for each of the family’s children. On the inside of a family’s home, they may display traditional ornaments, including samurai helmets (“kabuto”) and armed and armored May dolls (“Gogatsu Ningyō”), in hopes that boys will grow up healthy.

People may also take a “shobu-yu,” a type of bath made with the leaves of the shobu plant. As a type of iris, the shobu plant is thought to drive away evil spirits and promote good health. Japanese children may also eat two types of rice cakes, Kashiwa Mochi and Chimaki, or attend special Children’s Day events and attractions (many of which have no cost of admission for children).

How to prepare:

Our offices will be closed for Children’s Day on [insert date]. Please turn on your out-of-office message beforehand.

How to observe Children’s Day

Children’s Day is a celebration of youth and young people. Here are some ideas for how to celebrate the holiday:

• Spend time with the children in your life
• Donate to a children’s charity
• Volunteer with a children’s organization