May 5 is Children’s Day, a national holiday established in 1948 to promote their happiness and well-being. At this time of year in ancient times people suffered from disease during this season due to high temperature and humidity. The fragrance of irises was believed to drive away bad air, so people began to take medicinal baths with the leaves.
To mark the holiday boys often display warrior dolls and miniature armour in their homes. And many families fly carp streamers outside the house because the carp symbolises a successful career.
In the picture below can be seen a lantern, amour, bow, long sword, sweets, iris liquer, rice dumpling, head covering, drum, fan, tiger and horse. Lucky the boy who gets all that!!
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For an excellent and enlightening comparison of Boys Day with the pagan festival of Beltane, please click here.
Full display of Boy’s Day paraphernalia
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