Tango no Sekku

May 5th is known as “Tango no Sekku,” which is a traditional annual event to celebrate the healthy growth of boys. On this day, people display Gogatsu Ningyo (May dolls) and koinobori (carp streamers), eat chimaki (steamed rice buns wrapped in a bamboo leaf) and kashiwamochi (rice cake wrapped in a kashiwa leaf with sweet red bean paste), and take a shobu (iris) bath.

This Sekku day for boys began in the Edo period. The Tokugawa Shogunate designated this day as an important day when the lords of domains and Hatamoto (Shogun retainers) were supposed to come to Edo Castle to bring offerings to the shogun. Right after the shogun had a baby boy, it was celebrated by hoisting a family flag or battle flag. This tradition spread to commoners, and they began to display carp streamers.

Koinobori, Carp Streamers

A tall pole is erected in the garden of a family with one or more young boys. On this pole are hung three different-sized carp streamers, from largest to smallest. The colors are black, red, and blue from top to bottom. Above these carp hangs a set of five different-colored long streamers called “Fukinagashi.”

A miniature koinobori is often placed inside the house or on the terrace when the family has no garden or they need only a smaller one.

The Origin of Koinobori

It originates from a legend of ancient China. There was a very fast rapid in the upper reaches of the Yellow River. It was called “Ryumon,” meaning “Dragon Gate.” It was believed that if a carp succeeded in swimming up this rapid, it would transform into a dragon. This story made the carp a symbol of promotion. Koinobori literally means “Carp Going Up.” This represents the family’s wish for the boy to become great in the future.

Fukinagashi

Fukinagashi is a set of five long streamers of different colors. These are hung above the carp as a talisman to guard the children. The five colors are based on the five elements of the ancient Chinese theory of the “Five Elements.” They are blue, red, yellow, white, and black.

Other Things Related to Tango no Sekku

May Dolls

It refers to miniature samurai armor and/or helmets displayed on this day. This represents the family’s wish for the boys to be like samurai heroes.

 Iris 

“Shobu” is the Japanese word for “iris.” Shobu also means “battle” or “fight.” Therefore, the iris is a lucky flower for samurai. Iris flowers are placed in a vase or hung under eaves. They can also be placed in bathwater.

 Chimaki

It is a steamed bun made from rice flour wrapped in a bamboo leaf. It has a long cone shape. The custom of eating chimaki on this day originates from a Chinese legend. The great warrior Qu Yuan died in the Bekira River on May 5th. Grieving people began to perform a memorial ritual by throwing rice into the river. They wrapped the rice in a bamboo leaf to prevent a dragon from eating it before it reached Qu Yuan, because the dragon hated the smell of bamboo leaves.

 Kashiwa-mochi

Kashiwa means “oak.” Kashiwa leaves were believed to be sacred containers for food offered to deities. It shoots new sprouts and sheds old leaves, so it has been a symbol of descendants’ prosperity. The rice cake with sweet red bean paste wrapped in a kashiwa leaf is an auspicious food.