May 5th is Children’s Day in Japan. The day of the festival is centuries old and began with Children. In 1948 the government declared the 5th as Children’s Day to honor boys and girls. Mothers are also honored on this holiday.
After the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, many students are more aware and interested in Japanese children. Participating in many fundraisers to help victims and learn about Children’s Day is another way to share Japanese culture with children.
What are the traditions and symbols of Children’s Day?
Families fly paper or cloth “carp” streamers for the festival of Children’s on May 9th. There is a cypress for every child in the family streamer. The cyprinus is the largest at the top and represents the eldest son, with each hand signifying smaller and younger children.
Why do they choose symbols of children for the Children’s Day celebration?
The carp, called koi in Japan, swims upstream and symbolizes strength, courage and determination. In the cypress kite, the Japanese hope that their sons and daughters will grow up strong and brave.
Japanese vocabulary for children’s day:
Carpus = koi
Kite palm = Koinobori
Children’s day = Kodomo not here
Japanese Castle Children’s Day:
The most obvious craft for Children’s Day is to create various carp streamers but there are various fun castles and projects to celebrate Children’s Day. You can find instructions and pictures of both of these fun activities on the Japanese Village Children’s Activities of the day and the Japanese Craft Pages.
1. A river palm kite can be created using paper, tissue paper or a piece of fabric and string.
2. Japanese fans are fun and easy to make using folded paper and craft sticks.
3. Flower trees can be created with container, shoots, pink tissue paper and glue. For those who enjoy sewing, the flowers of the trees can be sewn into the fabric.
4. Samurai helmets are a kids favorite and can be made from thin cardboard, paper and tape or a stapler. .
5. Zen gardens are the most mocking of Children’s Day. It needs a smooth surface of sand and stones.
6. Origami is a fun and challenging Japanese art that uses origami paper and creativity.
7. Otedama‘s are beans sewn from kimono threads. These are the gifts of traditions from the ancestors.
You can also use 7 Books about Japan to extend your learning about Japanese culture while your family or school is celebrating the Ninth of Japanese children.
Sources:
http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/childrens_day_japan.htm
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2945156/may_holidays_celebrations.html?cat=7
http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/japan_for_kids_crafts.htm
