Kodomo no Hi(こどもの日) – Der japanische Kindertag am 5. Mai

Kodomo no Hi (Children's Day) – Japan's Children's Day on May 5th

Kodomo no Hi (こどもの日) – Children's Day in Japan on May 5th
Also known as “Tango no Sekku” (端午の節句)

On May 5th, Japan celebrates Children's Day, “Kodomo no Hi” (こどもの日).

Since 1948, it has been a national holiday celebrating the personalities of children, their happiness, and their future. Traditionally, families pray especially for the health and well-being of their sons.

Origin and Meaning
The festival originally dates back to a Chinese ritual to ward off misfortune. Since May was considered a time of transition, customs such as decorating with irises (Shōbu) were intended to keep evil spirits away.
During the Edo period, this developed into a festival in Japan where people wish boys health, strength, and success in life.

Typical Traditions

  • Koinobori (鯉のぼり): Colourful carp streamers symbolize strength and success.
  • Gogatsu Dolls (五月人形): Samurai armor and helmets are meant to protect children from misfortune and give them strength.
  • Shōbu Bath (菖蒲湯): A bath with irises, said to bring health and ward off evil spirits.

I want to tell you a bit more about Koinobori (鯉のぼり). Nowadays, you can also see them in Europe, for example in Asian supermarkets or Japanese restaurants. But do you actually know why they have different colours?

   

Each colour represents a family member:

  • Black – the father
  • Red – the mother
  • Blue – the child
  • Other colours like green or orange represent additional children, depending on the size of the family.

Typical Food

  • Kashiwa-Mochi (柏餅): Represents family continuity.
  • Chimaki (ちまき): Rice cakes wrapped in bamboo leaves.
  • Other dishes such as Yomogi-Mochi or bamboo shoots symbolise growth.

When I was a child, I often made paper Koinobori in kindergarten and elementary school. We frequently had Chirashi-sushi for dinner and, of course, Kashiwa-Mochi. To conclude, we would take a Shōbu bath.

Over time, I learned how much meaning these traditions hold.

I hope you have gained a lovely insight into Children's Day in Japan :)

Back to blog