Children's Day

Children's Day, known as **Kodomo no Hi** (こどもの日) in Japan, is a national holiday celebrated annually on **May 5**. It is part of **Golden Week**, a series of holidays in late April and early May. Originally called **Tango no Sekku** (Boys' Day), it was historically a day to celebrate and pray for the health, happiness, and success of boys. In 1948, it was renamed Children's Day to include all children, though many traditions still focus on boys. The holiday is marked by vibrant customs and symbols. Families often fly **koinobori** (carp-shaped windsocks) outside their homes, representing strength and perseverance, as carp are known for swimming upstream. Inside, families display **samurai dolls** and **kabuto** (samurai helmets) to inspire courage and determination. Traditional foods like **kashiwa-mochi** (rice cakes filled with sweet red bean paste and wrapped in oak leaves) and **chimaki** (sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves) are also enjoyed. Children's Day is a time for families to come together, celebrate their children's growth, and wish for their bright futures. It reflects Japan's cultural emphasis on family, tradition, and the well-being of the younger generation.