From Yabusame to Koinobori: The Dynamic History of May 5th in Japan
Every year on May 5th, Japan celebrates Boy's Day, also known as Children's Day or "Kodomo no Hi." 子供の日 Originally dedicated to boys and the virtues of courage and strength, this national holiday has evolved to honor the health, happiness, and well-being of all children. Across Japan, families participate in various festivities and rituals designed to wish their young ones a prosperous and secure future. This joyful occasion is marked by vibrant displays and cultural events, reflecting its deep-rooted significance in fostering a happy and healthy childhood.
The celebration of Boy’s Day, or Tango no Sekku 端午の節句, in Japan likely commenced during the reign of Empress Suiko between 593 and 628 AD. The festival was officially aligned with the fifth day of the fifth month post-Nara period, drawing from its roots in the ancient Chinese Dragon Boat Festival. Originally, Tango no Sekku was a time when women engaged in household purification rituals, thatching roofs with irises, believed to repel evil spirits. However, during the Kamakura period (1185–1333) as the samurai class rose to prominence, the focus shifted towards celebrating boys. This change was influenced by the symbolic significance of the iris (shōbu), which shared its pronunciation with the term for "military valor" (尚武) and resembled a samurai sword. This period also saw the tradition of yabusame (horseback archery) on May 5, intended to drive away evil spirits.
The traditions surrounding Tango no Sekku continued to evolve through the Kamakura to Muromachi periods, particularly with the introduction of Gogatsu Ningyo or May dolls, which included miniature armor and kabuto (helmets). This was derived from samurai practices of airing out their armor before the rainy season. By the Edo period (1603–1867), these celebrations had expanded with extravagant displays in samurai households, and the inclusion of samurai dolls and paper kabuto in commoner homes. The practice of decorating with irises and taking iris-infused baths also became popular. During this era, the first koinobori, carp streamers symbolizing strength and perseverance, appeared, merging older nobori flags with new symbolic designs. These traditions persisted and evolved into the modern celebrations of Children’s Day after Japan adopted the Gregorian calendar, with May 5 becoming a fixed date for the festivities. Originally designated as Boys' Day, the holiday was rebranded as Children’s Day in 1948 to celebrate all children and emphasize family unity, expanding the cultural reverence for this ancient and vibrant festival.