Koinobori (carp streamers) for decorating your garden Small koinobori (carp streamers) for balconies For Children's Day on May 5th For gardens
The origin of the name and history of carp streamers
Carp streamers are used as a symbol of hopes for the healthy growth of boys.
Carp streamers were originally introduced from China.
Carp began to be hung up in hopes of encouraging the growth of boys, so that children could learn about their strength and bravery.
The name comes from the word koi, which means fish streamer.
They were also called Satsuki nobori (satsuki streamers) or carp streamers.
According to the unified view of the Japan Carp Streamer Association, those displayed outdoors are called "carp streamers," while those displayed indoors are called "decorative carp" or "indoor carp streamers."
Carp streamers are a part of Japanese culture and are displayed on Children's Day and Boys' Festival in Japan.
Carp symbolize strength and vitality, and displaying carp streamers represents prayers for the healthy growth of children.
Carp streamers also represent prayers for the happiness of families and society as a whole.
How many original carp streamers were there?
Carp streamers from the Edo period
"Suidobashi Suruga" from Utagawa Hiroshige's "One Hundred Famous Views of Edo"
The earliest carp streamers were black carp.
At the time, Nishikigoi carp were not yet common, and the painting shows only Magoi carp being displayed.
The first carp streamers featured black carp, but eventually they became two-colored, with red and red carp (magoi) and then blue carp were added to represent family.
Why do we decorate with carp streamers on Children's Day?
Decorating carp streamers on Children's Day is an important cultural event that celebrates children's growth, family ties, and hopes for the future.
Children's Day (May 5th) was formerly called Tango no Sekku, a day to celebrate the growth of boys.
Carp streamers are displayed as a symbol of hopes for the healthy growth of boys.
Carp symbolize strength and courage, and seeing them is said to inspire children and help them grow up healthy.
Carp streamers are also seen as a symbol of family ties.
In traditional carp streamers, the black carp may represent the father, the red carp the mother, and the smaller carp the children.
This represents family unity and parents' wishes for their children's development.
Carp streamers represent prayers for the happiness and prosperity of families and the entire society.
Carp streamers fluttering in the wind symbolize hope and bright prospects for the future, and express wishes for happiness for children and their families.
Recent Trends | Why decorate with carp streamers in May?
The values of Japanese people's lives have changed since the outbreak of COVID-19.
In particular, during the long Golden Week holiday, people tend to refrain from going out and spend more time relaxing with their families in their living rooms, where the gentle breeze from the greenery pours in.
Decorating carp streamers and spending relaxing time together as a family is becoming a recent trend.
The sight of cherry blossoms fluttering about and new greenery blooming all at once is as pleasant as being blown by a spring breeze.
The sight of the brightly colored carp swaying in the breeze and shining against the blue sky brings to mind the innocent joys of childhood.
During the peaceful days of Golden Week, decorating carp streamers together as a family and admiring their beautiful appearance is truly a blissful and soothing moment.
The warm moments spent watching the carp streamers swimming peacefully and the smiles and conversations of family members exchanged endlessly are memories I will never forget.
Carp streamers don't just sway in the breeze; they also serve as a way to deepen family bonds.
By enjoying traditional Japanese culture with your family, you can forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life and spend time in a fulfilling environment.
I want to cherish this luxurious time filled with smiles and laughter from my family along with the carp streamers.
Why are carp streamers scary?
In the 19th century, carp streamers became increasingly larger.
Some of the red carp (black carp) were over 10 meters long.
Therefore, carp streamers, which have an image of fish,
・The shape of the carp streamer itself is scary
・Fish eyes are scary (it's scary when our eyes meet)
This kind of thing used to happen in the past.
Nowadays, the designs are more stylish and there are more compact carp streamers, making them fun and friendly for children.
Until what age should carp streamers be displayed? How many types are there?
Up to what age should children fly carp streamers?
Carp streamers are a seasonal feature. Their beautiful silhouettes swaying in the wind symbolize the coming of spring and the growth of children, deepening family ties and creating happy times.
By decorating carp streamers together as a family, you can feel the change of seasons and create heartwarming memories.
How many types of carp streamers are there?
There are two main types of carp streamers.
The "ground type" is raised from the ground using a pole or rod.
This is a "balcony type" that is fixed with metal fittings to the balcony of an apartment building, etc.
Recently, compact, simple and easy-to-display carp streamers that can be placed diagonally from the balcony to the garden have become popular.
What is the ball ornament at the top of the carp streamer?
The round decoration at the top of the carp streamer's pole is also called the rotating ball or celestial ball.
Called Ogishiro, it makes the streamers sway in the wind, making the carp streamers look more beautiful and vivid.
It is also said to be a landmark to help the gods find you.
The things placed on either side of this rotating ball are called yaguruma decorations.
Both have become popular and evolved as decorations to add color to carp streamers.
What is the fluttering thing at the top of the carp streamer?
The thing swimming at the very top of the carp streamer is called the carp streamer's streamer.
The streamers on carp streamers have meaning.
Basically, it is named "Goshiki no Fukinagashi" (Five-Colored Streamers) and serves the purpose of warding off evil spirits.
Even at shrines, the colors of these streamers are passed down as a tradition.
The colors and order of streamers at shrines and carp streamers have ancient beliefs and meanings behind them.
This five-colored streamer is usually made up of five colors.
"Blue" → "Red" → "Yellow" → "White" → "Black"
This has the meaning of five colors, or goshiki.
What are the "Five Colors"? They come from the Chinese theory of the five elements, which states that all things are made up of five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.
Each of the five colors has a meaning,
・Blue = Symbol of "tree," "east," and "spring"
・Red = symbol of "fire," "south," and "summer"
・Yellow = symbol of "earth," "center," and "seasonal change"
・White = Symbol of "gold," "west," and "autumn"
・Black = symbol of "water," "north," and "winter"
It is said that...
*Green is sometimes used instead of blue, and purple or orange instead of black.
The order of the five colors also has meaning.
Blue = Wood burns and creates fire
↓
Red = Ash remains after burning
↓
Yellow = Ash returns to the earth
↓
White = Metals are obtained by digging the soil
↓
Black = Some of the steam condenses on the metal surface to produce water
The water then returns to the tree (blue), creating a virtuous cycle that produces more and more, and so it is also used as a talisman to ward off evil and bad luck.
These five colors are also used on carp streamers and streamers at shrines as talismans to ensure the good health of children.
However, this is an era in which streamers, which emphasize modern design within traditional culture, are also popular.
There is also a choice to be made according to your preference.
Is it okay to display carp streamers until the end of May?
Like Hina dolls, in some areas Tango no Sekku decorations are celebrated about one month later, called the old festival.
It is a good idea to decide how to decorate and for how long to keep the decorations up in line with the culture and traditions of your family or region.
When should we take down the carp streamers?
The time to take down carp streamers is generally after Children's Day (May 5th), but it may vary depending on the season and the situation at home.
After Children's Day
It is common to take down carp streamers after Children's Day, which is on May 5th, but some families continue to display them after that.
Depends on the season and climate
Carp streamers may be exposed to wind and rain, so depending on the season and local climate, it may be advisable to take them down at a time when they are most susceptible to wind and rain.
With the rainy season approaching in June, it would be a good idea to choose the best time based on your family and local customs.
summary
Flying carp streamers with your family during the long, peaceful Golden Week holidays is a great opportunity to deepen family bonds and spend special, memorable time together.
Spending relaxing time with your family allows you to forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life, refresh your mind and body, and strengthen your bonds.
Enjoy watching the carp streamers swaying in the breeze and spending precious time with your family, filled with smiles and laughter.