Japan:Children’s Day

By: Kristina Parin &

Jana Craven

Overview of Japan

Japan is made up of many islands.

Living in Japan

- Houses

- Clothes

- Food

- Music

Children’s Day

Children’s Day is May 5th.

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 DrummersRaising of the Koi nobori (Koi Kite)Japanese Story TellingTraditional Japanese DancesJapanese Immersion Singers

Activities:Origami (Paper Folding)Ikebana (Flower Arranging)Sumi-e brush Painting (Brush Painting)Block printingKoi viewingHaiku PathTaste of Tea for ChildrenTours for ChildrenDoll DisplayChildren’s Olympics

Children’s Day Food

Miso Soup

Rice Balls

Sweet Rice Crackers

Traditional sushi and sashimi

Resourceshttp://www.ginkoya.com/pages/childrensday.html

http://www.eat-japan.com

http://www.japancorner.com/fun_games.asp

http://www.sover.net/~johnd/categories.html

http://www.k111.k12.il.us/king/japan2a.htm

http://web-japan.org/kidsweb/japan/regions.html

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/japan/koi/