Kodomo no Hi (こどもの日)

Children's Day in Japan occurs on the 5th day of the 5th month each year as a way to celebrate the health and happiness of children. The day was originally known as Boy's Day (remember Girl's Day, Hina Matsuri, occured in March), but in 1948 the government made the day a national holiday for all children. The day is also part of Golden week, a week which includes 3 other national holidays.

To help celebrate Kodoma no Hi, families hang large carp banners (koinobori) from poles outside their homes. The carp (koi) has long been thought of as a symbol of strength and success in the Japanese and Chinese cultures. Traditionally, the family hangs a carp banner for both the father and mother, followed by one banner for each child in the household. Inside the home, families may display dolls of famous warriors or samurai. A popular taste treat on this day is kashiwamochi, which is an oak leaf wrapped around a soft pounded rice cake with sweet red azuki bean paste inside. Yum!