Koinobori are carp-shaped carp wind socks, decorate from April through early May, in honor of a traditional event which is now designated a National holiday, Children's Day (originally Boys' festival) on May 5. They are made by drawing carp patterns on paper, cloth or other nonwoven fabric whichi are allowed to flutter in the wind. The carp symbolizes courage and strength because of its ability to swim up a waterfall, so Japanese people decorate the Koinobori to hope that sons in one's house will grow up healthy and strong. The decorating order has a meanig that the biggest (black) koinobori for the father, next biggest (red) for the eldest son, and ranging down to the smallest carp for the youngest son.These carp sets are flown above the roofs of houses.
In Tokyo, they fly small famly of Koinobori from the apartment balconies or the house's yards. In the countryside, whole towns become one big festival of Koinobori. Koinobori come in a variety of sizes, designs and colors, but they are all beautiful, and the figure of flying Koninobori looks as if they are swimming in the sky. I miss Koinobori in Japan.
i love the meaning of this day in your country. In Mexico we do celebrate children's day but it's not as meaning full as it is in your country. For many of us if not all this day is mainly about "party time" we only do this mainly for the pinatas, candy and GIFTS. :)
ReplyDeleteWow it is a beautiful meaning for a children's day. I hope to do the same in Mexico. As Marisela said in Mexico we celebrate different.
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