How to enjoy the Boy's Festival on Children's Day - What is the essence of May Dolls?
How to enjoy Children's Day (Tango no Sekku) and the essence of May dolls
What are the May dolls for the Boys' Festival?
What is a May Doll?
Generally, May dolls are thought to be something to celebrate and pray for the health and growth of children.
However, this is a simple expression and has a deeper meaning beyond that.
How do you read May Dolls?
How do you write and read May doll?
It is generally read as "gogatsuningyo."
Some people read it as "Satsuki Ningyo",
Both refer to dolls celebrating the Boys' Festival on Children's Day.
What types of May dolls (helmet and armor decorations) are there?
The three most common types are helmet ornaments, armor ornaments, and child general ornaments/warrior dolls with faces.
・The most popular item among these is the "Kabuto ornament."
There are many varieties available, ranging in price from affordable to expensive.
In terms of size, we have everything from compact sizes to helmets that children can actually wear.
・For those who want a more serious display, we recommend the "armor decoration."
Since it also includes the body part, the price is a little higher.
-The face gives this "child general decoration" a gentle expression.
The armor and helmet decorations are scary.
Recommended for those who dislike the image of war.
A historical look at the Boys' Festival event
In the past, the Tango Festival was held as a lavish banquet for samurai society and the wealthy classes.
It all started with making decorative May dolls to celebrate children's growth.
During the Edo period, this tradition spread to the common people, and in modern times, May 5th has come to be known as Children's Day, or Tango no Sekku, on the calendar.
The way to celebrate is to display a May doll and celebrate and confirm the child's growth as a family.
But first, what are the five seasonal festivals?
It is called a seasonal festival and is written as fushi no shun.
The Edo Shogunate established five days to mark seasonal turning points and times when foods are in season.
- Jinjitsu (People's Day): January 7th
- Jōshi: March 3
- Tango (Tango): May 5th
- Tanabata (Shichiseki): July 7th
- Double Ninth Day: September 9th
The definition of the five seasonal festivals as determined by the Edo Shogunate
Japan has four seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter.
There are cold seasons and hot seasons, so you can enjoy each season and experience it in different ways.
Let's celebrate this season with even more fun.
So, at the beginning of the Edo period, the shogunate established the "Five Seasonal Festivals" to mark the customs of noble society and seasonal turning points.
During the Meiji period, this was changed to the new calendar, which is the global standard, and now it feels like it is one month behind.
There are some areas where Hinamatsuri and Obon are celebrated according to the lunar calendar.
The old calendar reflects the seasons that actually occurred during the Edo period.
Hina dolls are decorated with cherry blossoms and tangerines.
In fact, cherry blossoms also bloom in early April, coinciding with the changing of the seasons.
About the five seasonal festivals: Jinjitsu, Jōshi, Tango, Tanabata, and Chōyō
Jinjitsu (People's Day): January 7th
The seventh day after the banquet on January 1st (New Year's Day) is called Jinjitsu Festival.
Harvest the "Seven Herbs of Spring" and give your stomach a rest.
And now winter is over. This is a turning point.
What are the Seven Herbs of Spring?
Seri....Cerifera
Shepherd's purse...shepherd's purse: also known as "Penpengusa"
Ogyo...Gogyo/Ogata: This means "Mother-and-child grass". Also known as Gogyo.
Chickweed: chickweed
Hotokenoza/Buddha's seat: the current "Tabirako/Tahirako"
Suzuna (turnip) - Suzuna (turnip)
Suzushiro - Radish, white radish
Jōshi: March 3
The Girls' Festival is a ritual to mark the arrival of spring.
The Girls' Festival is held, dolls are displayed to celebrate the growth of girls,
Spring is coming soon. This is the turning point, Hinamatsuri.
Tango (Tango): May 5th
It is also called "Iris Festival" and is known today as Children's Day.
A ceremony in which May dolls are displayed on Boys' Day to celebrate the growth of boys.
The rainy season is about to begin and the seasons will change again. This is the turning point.
Irises, which bloom in May and June, are said to ward off evil spirits.
We enjoyed the season by taking iris-scented baths and drinking iris sake.
This iris is a sign of victory.
The atmosphere became even more vibrant with the Boy's Festival.
This was the "Law Concerning National Holidays" enacted in July 1948 (Showa 23).
It was designated as a national holiday called "Children's Day",
I came to understand that Tango no Sekku = Children's Day = May dolls.
Tanabata (Shichiseki): July 7th
Tanabata Festival is a ceremony in which people make wishes by hanging five-colored strips of paper on bamboo and purifying themselves of impurities.
The turning point of the hottest season in Japan.
Double Ninth Day: September 9th
It is also called the "Chrysanthemum Festival," and in China, the chrysanthemum flower is considered a medicinal herb for immortality and longevity.
A seasonal ritual practiced by people in the past in which chrysanthemum flowers were floated in sake and drunk to ward off evil spirits, making "chrysanthemum sake."
Now, the cold winter season is coming.
Boys' Day dolls are the best gifts
The Boys' Festival doll is the best gift from the giver.
A May doll given casually by grandparents = Gift.
Looking at the passage of time, it has become a part of Japanese celebrations to enjoy the seasons.
These May dolls are basically gifts given to people by their maternal grandfathers and grandmothers.
It is given to a baby or child of a daughter who has married.
This May doll was displayed and was one of the five seasonal festivals celebrated every year on Boy's Day.
In modern times, these strict customs and their original meanings have faded away, but
When I look at the baby's facial expression, I notice that it resembles my daughter's facial expression when she was a child.
I hope that people will celebrate Tango no Sekku by decorating their grandchildren with May dolls and feeling happy and loved for them.
This is the way I feel.
Transition to the event known as Tango no Sekku (Children's Day)
In July 1948 (Showa 23), the Boys' Festival was held on May 5th.
It was designated as a national holiday called "Children's Day."
The Boys' Festival, which was celebrated in honor of the Japanese iris (a symbol of victory), is now known as Children's Day.
The value of the holiday has gradually changed from celebrating with luxurious armor and helmets for decoration to
It is now becoming a fun experience to spend the Golden Week holidays with your family.
Parents' feelings for their children have not changed from the past to the present
May 5th during Golden Week.
A May doll, a gift from my uncle and grandmother.
This is celebrated every year on the same day by children and their families.
And parents think.
He's grown so much in just a year.
This time last year I was like this...
Ah, I was talking...
Thank you for helping me grow so much...
As the parents remember and reaffirm their son's growth, they will naturally feel grateful to both parents.
Children's view of Tango no Sekku
Golden Week long holiday.
Many of you may have moms and dads on holiday.
Kindergartens and schools are closed, so I would like to spend Children's Day with my family.
The lively boy was happy to spend time with his father and was delighted to have his own May doll displayed.
In the garden, carp streamers are fluttering cheerfully in the wind under the blue sky.
Every year, children grow a little more, their perspective changes, they learn faster, and their interests change.
These are the words that always come out when May dolls are displayed.
"This May doll is for grandparents to wish you good health.
He gave it to me so that I would be a good boy!"
May 5th is Children's Day, and we grow up having conversations like these every year while watching our May dolls.
Children will have fond memories of having their growth celebrated on Tango no Sekku.
The desire to "stay healthy and grow big" became clear.
And the gift will contain a feeling of gratitude towards the giver's grandparents.
Children's Day Event | Enjoy a family meal
Family celebration scenes are also a wonderful sight unique to this special time of year.
It's a heartwarming sight to see the whole family gathered around the dinner table enjoying delicious food.
Looking at the May dolls will create moments of strengthening family bonds and allow you to feel the beauty and happiness of the season.
[5 specific Children's Day event foods]
1. Soft and sweet kashiwamochi
Kashiwamochi is wrapped in an oak leaf and has a chewy texture, and is filled with slightly sweet red bean paste.
The children get excited and enjoy opening the kashiwamochi.
2. Bamboo leaf wrapped kimono
Chimaki wrapped in bamboo leaves is a delightful dish with a soft, chewy texture and a fragrant aroma.
With the faint scent of bamboo leaves, children will feel the arrival of summer as they eat the rice dumplings and take in the outside air.
3. Colorful Chinsuko
Chinsuko is a snack with a fun, crunchy texture.
The colorful colors and unique shapes will catch children's attention.
With just one bite, children will be hooked on the sweetness and crispy texture that crumbles in their mouth.
4. Brightly colored carp streamer sushi
Carp streamer-shaped sushi is like a playful piece of art.
The colorful sushi toppings and decorations will pique your children's curiosity.
By eating the beautifully presented carp streamer sushi, children will rediscover the joy of eating.
5. Desserts for kids that will bring smiles to your faces
Colorful Japanese sweets, Western sweets, ice cream, etc.
The desserts for children are sure to bring a smile to your face.
The kids will have a great time.
These delicious foods not only appeal to children,
I'm sure we'll have a great time together.
Children's Day Event | Family Outings
Additionally, outdoor family activities are also a great time to enjoy Golden Week.
By taking a walk in nature or having a picnic in the park,
You can fully experience the beauty of the seasons.
The sight of children running around with smiles on their faces and the whole family enjoying a comfortable time in nature is
It will be a beautiful sight that will stay in your memory forever.
Also, since it's Golden Week, it would be fun to participate in events at a nearby park or square.
Children's Day Event | Hobbies, games, and movies for the family
In addition, it is important to spend time enjoying hobbies, games, movies, etc. with your family.
Do something that interests the whole family, watch a movie together,
Enjoying games will help deepen your bond.
This kind of special time together as a family is a luxury that can only be enjoyed during Golden Week.
The fact that Tango no Sekku and Children's Day fall during Golden Week means families can enjoy spending time together and make more memories.
Relatives gather together, laugh heartily, and share fun times.
You will be able to feel the beauty of the season and the bonds of family.
