Japanese Culture and Japanese gifts ( Hanko, Japanese Traditional Clothing and Accessories ) ⑭　- A Gift From Japan | Japanese gift – A gift from Japan

Tango-no-Sekku refers to one of Go-Sekku, the five seasonal festivals.

The words “tan” mean “beginning,” and “tango” means the first day of “Go” (Uma： horse in Japanese) of the month. In Japanese, “go” sounds the same as the number five.

In ancient China, it was customary to purify evil spirits with shōbu (iris leaves), which have a strong scent, in May.

It was introduced to Japan, by taking a bath to which the leaves of iris are added, people hoped that evil spirits would be driven out from the body.

As the Japanese word “shōbu” has the same sound as the word meaning “samurai spirit” and “fight,” a seasonal festival to celebrate boys’ healthy growth was established.

The tradition of decorating one’s home with Gogatsu-Ningyo dolls comes from Japanese samurai society. Suits of armor were very important for men in samurai society.

I have a son. so I’ve decorated Gogatsu Ningyo which is called Kabuto which Samura put when they fought in the Samurai era.

In the early Edo period, it is said that to pray for the social success of their son, the parents put up flags in their garden on which carp were drawn. This is the origin of the present-day “koinobori (carp streamers).“

Koinobori is originated in ancient Chinese legend.  In China, carp are believed to become dragons after climbing the waterfall called Ryūmon (dragon gate) in the rapids of the Yellow River, and then they are taken as a symbol of success in a career.

it is very warm weather at this festival on 5th May, so most of the kids wear Jinbei or Yukata.