On May 5th, it’s kodomo no hi (Children’s day) in Japan, a day to respect children’s personalities and to celebrate their happiness. It was originally a day for boys only, but now it is for children; however most of the kodomo no hi traditions are followed for boys only, girls being also celebrated for the hinamatsuri (Doll’s day) in March.
Before this day, families raise the carp-shaped flags in their garden, one for each son; carp represent strength (legends state that carps can swim up waterfalls), and success in life. This flag is called koinobori (carp streamer); it is made of several carps: the black carp at the top represents the father, the red carp represents the mother, and the last carp, generally a blue one, represents the son, with an additional carp added for each subsequent son.
As I was walking in my area, in front of a tatami shop, I found this lovely carp streamer.
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