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A Globetrotting Guide to
the Internet Tango No Sekku In Japan, the Boy's Day Festival has been a tradition for more than a thousand years. In Hawaii, families celebrate the ancient traditions by proudly celebrating their sons. The tradition began centuries ago in China, a young man named Chu Yuan, disturbed by the troubled conditions in his country, drowned himself in the river. He believed that from another world he would be able to help his people overcome their troubles. Chu Yuan's sacrifice occurred on the fifth of May, that day was set aside in China to honor him. The Japanese were impressed by the meaning behind the custom adopted it, adding their own symbolic rituals to what is now known as a colorful spring festival known as Boys' Day. Tango No Sekku is a time when Japanese pay tribute to their sons, at time to instill in them the sense of devotion and selflessness that Chu Yuan had displayed. Boy's Day is known as Tango-no-Sekku and Shobo-no-Sekku in Japan. Translated, Tango-no-Sekku means "first day of the horse." The horse takes on special importance as manliness, strength, and loyalty are a few of the qualities the horse represents. During Boy's Day, one or more miniature horses is exhibited. Shobo-no-Sekku, Iris Festival, refers to a flower which blooms in Japan during May and June. In ancient times the iris was used to treat an assortment of ills. Along with medicinal properties, the iris was believed to maintain spiritual powers. Iris leaves were placed along the eaves of homes to protect against misfortune. The long, narrow leaf resembles a sword. It was thought that if boys bathed in shobu-yu, hot water in which the leaves were soaked, they would live an long and prosperous life and develop the will of a warrior. Dolls play an important role in the festivities. Boy's Day dolls are masculine. Displayed on tiers in the tokonoma or alcove of the best room in the house a samurai doll may be displayed, surrounded by swords, banners, helmets, drums, spears, and armor, crafted perfectly down to the finest detail. Boys' Day dolls often represented Japanese folk heroes, such as Kintaro, the boy with incredible strength; Benkei, the quick-witted giant; or Momotaro, the child found floating down the river on a giant peach. The dolls are engaging to look at, but never to be played with or unnecessarily handled. Food plays a certain significance in the festivities. Kashiwa mochi is made from flour which is steamed and pounded, filled with a sweet bean jam, folded into a half moon, then wrapped in a Mongolian oak leaf. The shape believed to be inspired by the helmet a samurai warrior had worn into battle. Chimaki is a cake made from mochi flour, wrapped in bamboo leaves, tied with a Chinese reed and steamed. The bamboo symbolizes constancy and devotion, the oak, strength and protectiveness. Koi-nobori are a common sight in Hawaii during the Boys' day festivities. These carp streamers flutter on long bamboo poles in front of the homes which are blessed with boys. Highly valued by the Japanese, the carp represents fearlessness, perseverance and hardiness. Traditionally,one fish is flown for each boy in the family, the largest representing the eldest son and down in size to the youngest. it is not unusual today to see many carp pennants hoisted to honor one boy. In Japan May 5 is Children's Day, a national holiday. Through keeping the tradition alive in Hawaii our children can learn to appreciate and understand the traditions, so they may pass on these qualities to their own sons. Resources from:
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