May 5th is Children's Day.
I'm Maruko Sakura, a writer for children's clothing brand PETITMIG.
Many people know it as a national holiday within Golden Week, but you may not know how children's day is celebrated in the first place.
Why don't you celebrate Children's Day at home?
This time, we will introduce the origin of Children's Day, what to do, what to eat to celebrate, and PETITMIG's recommended items.
What is the origin of Children's Day?
Children's Day is one of the national holidays during Golden Week .
When did Children's Day start?
May 5th was designated as "Children's Day" by the National Holiday Law (the law that stipulates public holidays) enacted in 1948.
And although it is not well known, "Children's Day", which is listed in the "Holiday Law", is not only a day for children's health and growth, but also a day to thank mothers.
What is Tango no Sekku?
Before May 5th was enacted as a national holiday, it was a day to hold a traditional event called Tango no Sekku to pray for the growth of boys .
Sekku is one of the celebrations that occur at the turn of the seasons, and it is said that it is called “Tango no Sekku” because it is a celebration that takes place at the time of Tango.
In fact, it was around the beginning of the samurai society that Tango no Sekku became an event to wish for the growth of boys and celebrate good health.
What is the difference from Tango no Sekku?
There is not much difference between Boys' Day and Children's Day.
However, "Children's Day" may be a big difference in the words written in the sentence enacted on the holiday.
[ Difference between Children's Day and Boys' Festival ]
- Tango no Sekku: A traditional event to pray for the health and growth of children (boys since the Edo period)
- Children's Day: A national holiday to wish for the health and growth of children and to express gratitude to mothers.
To give a simple explanation of the text that was established on Children's Day, it states, " Respect children's personalities, measure their happiness, and give thanks to their mothers ."
Both Boys' Day and Children's Day are events that wish for the growth of children.
However, Children's Day is " a day when children thank their mothers ", so that's the different part.
What do you do on Children's Day?
Even after Children's Day was newly enacted as a holiday , the customs of Boys' Day are still being held.
Let me introduce you to that custom.
Display armor and May dolls
In samurai society, not only armor and helmets, but also swords, naginata, flags, and May dolls were displayed during Boys' Day.
Armor is a piece of armor that protects the body, so it has the meaning of " protecting from bad things ."
So, if possible, I would like to decorate the helmet and May doll, but it may be difficult to secure the space in the room.
In that case, please fold the "kabuto" using newspaper and decorate it.
It is also recommended to wear the helmet you made.
decorate carp streamers
Even now, when I go to rural areas, on Children's Day, I see many carp streamers decorated in gardens and riversides.
There is an old Chinese legend that tells of a carp that climbed up the Ryumon (dragon gate) against the current of a river and turned into a dragon and ascended to the heavens.
It is a wish for children to overcome hardships and difficulties and grow up .
In the samurai society, flags used in battle were displayed, but when the custom of Tango no Sekku was passed down to the common people, it is said that only the samurai could display flags, so it was changed to carp streamers. I'm here.
However, considering the housing situation, it is not possible to display a large carp streamer.
Please decorate your home with carp streamers made by children at nursery schools and kindergartens.
Enter the Shobuyu
I mentioned earlier that irises were used to ward off evil spirits.
In the Heian period, iris leaves were spread under pillows to ward off bad spirits.
Irises are recommended for bathing agents because they have " blood circulation promotion and relaxing effects ".
It's something that promotes the health of your family, so please try it on this occasion.
what to eat on children's day
When you think of Children's Day, there are certain foods that come to mind.
Food has long been associated with wishes for the health and growth of children.
Let's enjoy eating delicious food with children on the celebration of Children's Day.
Kashiwamochi
The leaves attached to kashiwa mochi are leaves of a tree called "kashiwa".
Kashiwa trees are characterized by the fact that after new shoots appear, the old leaves fall off .
As a result, it became established in samurai society as a symbol of prosperity of descendants .
Chimaki
Chimaki is a steamed food wrapped in bamboo leaves.
The filling is glutinous rice or glutinous rice (dumplings) , and it seems that it varies depending on the region.
Eating chimaki is a custom that dates back to ancient China.
It is said that the custom spread to Japan and began to be eaten during Boys' Day.
By the way, "Chimaki" is often eaten in regions other than Kanto, but Kashiwamochi is the mainstream in Kanto.
Kanto was the center of samurai society, so it may be a remnant of that.
Eat chirashizushi with bamboo shoots
Chirashizushi is also eaten on March 3rd during the Hinamatsuri (Peach Festival).
Not only are the colors gorgeous, but the ingredients also have meaning.
< Meaning of Chirashizushi Ingredients >
- Shrimp…Until the waist bends (longevity)
- Beans…Healthy and work well
- Kinshi-Tamago … Treasure accumulates
- Carrots... grow roots
- Lotus root... the future outlook is good (because there is a hole)
“Bamboo shoots” are also recommended as an ingredient for sashimi sushi.
Bamboo shoots grow quickly and grow quickly, so they are one of the lucky charms with the wish of " growing up quickly ."
It's just the season, so let's celebrate by making gorgeous chirashi sushi together.
eat bonito yellowtail
Many children may not like it, but it is a fish that is often eaten on Children's Day.
Skipjack
Katsuo is "bonito" in kanji, but it can also be written as " katsuo ".
It has the meaning of " to be able to win anything ".
yellowtail
It is also known as a “ success fish ” because its name changes as it grows.
It is a fish that is often eaten in celebrations of Boys' Day, as it contains a wish for success in the future .
Recommended PETITMIG items for each event
We would like to introduce PETITMIG clothes that are perfect for "Children's Day", hoping that children will be healthy and happy.
knit G1
A cool knit with a very simple design that is soft to the touch, stretches well and doesn't feel heavy.
It is perfect for Tango no Sekku, which is also the turning point of the seasons.
In autumn and winter, you can wear it under your outerwear.
Easy to match with bottoms and skirts.
- Material: 49% rayon, 28% nylon, 23% polyester
- Size: 5 sizes available (1-2y (equivalent to 80cm) to 5-6y (equivalent to 120cm))
- Color: White/Black
pants G1
Salopette pants with a rounded silhouette that further enhances the cuteness of children.
The length can be adjusted in two stages.
The point is the wood button and the design that dares to show the sewing thread.
- Material: 50% cotton, 35% polyester, 15% linen
- Size: 3 sizes available (1-2y (equivalent to 80cm) to 3-4y (equivalent to 100cm))
- Color: Beige
shirt T1
A shirt with a check pattern on the chest pocket and shoulders.
You can use it as a shirt by fastening the front button, or as a cover when it's chilly.
It's a solid fabric, so it's recommended for kids who move around actively.
- Material: 100% cotton
- Size: 5 sizes (80, 90, 100, 110, 120)
- Color: Brown
knit vest
A knit vest that goes well with any outfit.
Wear a shirt or blouse under the vest, and wear a skirt or bottoms underneath.
You can enjoy a wide range of outfits, from casual to elegant.
Recommended when the season changes or when it's a little chilly.
- Material: 60% acrylic, 40% nylon
- Size: 5 sizes (80, 90, 100, 110, 120)
- Color: Beige, Brown
Children's Day｜Summary
This time, we introduced the origin of Children's Day, what to do, what to eat to celebrate, and PETITMIG's recommended items.
Since ancient times, ceremonies to ward off evil have begun to be held during the Tango season, and it has become a "boy's event" as the Tango no Sekku.
By law, May 5th is a public holiday called "Children's Day", a day to pray for the health of children and to thank their mothers.
Tango no Sekku is an event held to pray for the health of children, so I would like to continue to enjoy it.
