Japan: Children’s Day By: Kristina Parin & Jana Craven

Overview of Japan Japan is made up of many islands.islands Living in Japan - HousesHouses - ClothesClothes - FoodFood - MusicMusic

Children’s Day Children’s Day is May 5 th. On this day they celebrate the healthy growth and happiness of children.

History of Children’s Day Multiple legends Defeating the Mongols on May 5, 1282 Farmers having children protect crops Parents respect the character of their children Children are grateful to parents

Tango no Sekku May 5 was traditional Boy’s day. Families with boys fly carp streamers for Children's Day To the Japanese people, the large koi is a symbol of the courage, strength, and patience needed to accomplish big goals. The top streamer is the pennant. The second streamer from the top is the black carp which represents the father of the house. The next red carp streamer represents the mother of the house. The smaller bottom streamers represent each boy in the house. On Children's Day the children go to the shrine and the priest blesses them and wishes them health and happiness for the next year.

Hina Matsuri Girls have their own festival, called Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival), held on March 3rd. During the festival the girls visit all the different doll displays. Girls display special dolls on stands covered with red cloth. The dolls represent the members of a royal court. There can be as many as 15 dolls. These specials dolls are sometimes handed down from mother to daughter.

Children’s Day Events Presentations: Taiko Drummers Raising of the Koi nobori (Koi Kite) Japanese Story Telling Traditional Japanese Dances Japanese Immersion Singers Activities: Origami (Paper Folding) Ikebana (Flower Arranging) Sumi-e brush Painting (Brush Painting) Block printing Koi viewing Haiku Path Taste of Tea for Children Tours for Children Doll Display Children’s Olympics

Children’s Day Food Miso Soup Rice Balls Sweet Rice Crackers Traditional sushi and sashimi

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