Kodomo no Hi

Kodomo no Hi (子どもの日) is Children's Day in Japan, celebrated on May 5th. It is a day to celebrate the happiness, health, and growth of children. Families often display colorful carp streamers called koinobori (こいのぼり), eat seasonal treats, and wish for their children's bright future.

Originally, May 5th was known as Tango no Sekku (端午の節句) and was primarily a festival for boys. In 1948, however, the Japanese government designated May 5th as a national holiday called Children's Day. The new holiday was intended to celebrate all children, respect their individuality, and promote their well-being.

On the other hand, March 3rd is Hinamatsuri (ひなまつり), the Doll's Festival, also known as Girl's Day. This day was not turned into a national holiday, as it would have been a holiday exclusively for girls. Instead, the decision was made to create one national holiday that celebrates boys and girls alike.

It is no coincidence that many Japanese festivals fall on dates with repeating odd numbers. March 3rd (Momo no Sekku, 桃の節句), May 5th (Tango no Sekku, 端午の節句), July 7th (Tanabata, 七夕), and September 9th (Chōyō no Sekku, 重陽の節句), also known as the Chrysanthemum Festival, are part of the Gosekku (五節句), the Five Seasonal Festivals.

The first of these festivals is celebrated on January 7th: Jinjitsu no Sekku (人日の節句), also known as Nanakusa no Sekku (七草の節句). You might expect it to fall on January 1st, but New Year's Day was already considered a special celebration in its own right. As a result, January 7th became the first of the five seasonal festivals.

For me, these special occasions are the perfect excuse to play with food ❤️ and enjoy sharing a meal with good company.