Okinawa 365: Kodomo no Hi (Children's Day)

May 5th wasn't just Cinco de Mayo, it was Children's Day here in Okinawa.

"The fifth day of the fifth month each year is a public holiday and a day when the sky is crowded with carp kites strung from bamboo flagpoles or from the rooftops. The colours line the sky and everyone knows that the Children's Day Festival is here. Some towns line the riverbanks with carp kites in celebration.

Otherwise known as 'Sobu no Sekku' (Iris Festival) or 'Tango no Sekku' (May 5th Festival), Children's Day is in fact actually a festival which celebrates the future success and health of sons although it has allegedly been adapted in more recent years to incorporate girls as well since the Girls' Festival in March is not a public holiday. Despite its modern, non-sexist name, it is still regarded as a festival for boys and the events and traditions of the day reflect this.

One of the alternative names, the Iris Festival was taken from the 12th century belief that the long, sharp leaves of the iris are swordlike so, placing iris leaves in a boy's bath is supposed to make him more martial. This meant that he would grow and develop with courage and strength. This is only one of the many symbols surrounding this day, most of which have to do with strength and health and success.

The other alternative name for this festival, Tango no Sekku, is based on the old lunar calendar and represents the actual date on which the festival occurs, 5th May.

The carp kites which are flown for this festival are called 'koinobori' and are colourful - usually decorated with red or blue - and made of white cloth. They symbolise success due to the carp's long life and golden colour and are also supposed to drive away evil spirits. They are believed to represent strength and determination of spirit in the same way the carp travels against the current. In some houses, a carp is flown for each family member with the father's being the largest at the top down to the youngest child's at the bottom."

Source:http://www.essortment.com/all/kodomonohijap_rnsd.htm

Legend says that a carp able to leap over the mythical "Dragon Gate" would become a dragon. Several waterfalls and cataracts in China are believed to be the location of the Dragon Gate. This legend is an allegory for the drive and effort needed to overcome obstacles.

We've got the river next to use covered in Koinobori. We didn't actually do anything on Children's Day except going for freeplay at Niko Niko with Sarah and Leah. We did go to Family Night at the Tengan Castle on Thursday night with Candi, Logan, and Ava. Her hubby joined us when he got off work! They had Koinobori crafts for the kids to make and a station set up for you do do Japanese calligraphy. I wrote the word 'dragon' for Sean in Kangi, as he seems to love 'dragons' since we went to see How to Train Your Dragon.