What is a helmet ornament for the Boys' Festival? The difference between the first Boys' Festival and May dolls, how to decorate them, carp streamers and Children's Day

A list of compact and stylish May dolls

What is the helmet decoration for Children's Day?

Explaining the differences between the first festival, May dolls, and carp streamers, and how to decorate them

May 5th is Children's Day,

It is also the first Boys' Day celebration for boys.


The custom of giving a helmet ornament on this special day is

It is filled with deep family feelings and traditional meanings.

but,

"What's the difference between a Kabuto and a May doll?"

"Do we need carp streamers too?"

"When should I decorate it?"

I'm sure many of you have questions like this.

In this article, we will explain the meaning of displaying helmet ornaments on Boys' Day ,

From the differences between May dolls and carp streamers to how to choose, decorate, and care for them,

We will provide a thorough and easy-to-understand introduction even for first-time visitors.

This is the season to pray for the growth of boys.

Giving shape to your family's dreams

Please refer to this for information on helmet ornaments and how to choose them.

What is Tango no Sekku? The meaning of May 5th and the origin of the helmet ornament

For some reason, the wind of May feels a little special.

The fresh greenery is dazzling and the sky is high...


On such days, we quietly decorate with small helmets .

It is a somewhat quiet, yet certain sign of a wish.

May 5th is Children's Day.

However, its origin is the Boys' Festival ,

It is a traditional event to pray for the healthy growth of boys.


During the Sengoku period, warlords wore helmets to protect their lives.

Nowadays, it is displayed as a symbol of protection from disaster .

Strong and sturdy—

With that wish, we are now

Gentleness, flexibility, freedom...

Perhaps we are reaching this milestone by gradually building up these experiences.

Why give helmet ornaments as gifts for Boys' Day?

Wishes for the first festival

What kind of world will this child live in from now on?

The moment you think that, you feel the urge to protect them in some way .


The helmet ornament may be a quiet embodiment of that feeling.

Kabuto helmets were originally worn by military commanders to protect themselves.

In modern times, it has been passed down as a symbol of protecting children from disaster .


Although it is invisible to the eye, it is a presence that gently expresses the wishes and resolve of parents .

In this day and age, giving a helmet for the first festival is

It's not just a tradition,

It's a silent message from your family saying, "We're watching your life closely."

When I think about it that way, the meaning of decorating every year seems to deepen.

What is the difference between May dolls and helmet ornaments?

Basics of selection and decoration

"What's the difference between May dolls and helmet decorations?"

This is probably a point that everyone will have trouble deciding on at some point when choosing for the first time.

May dolls are decorated with armor, helmets, and children's generals .

It refers to all dolls that are displayed in hopes of the healthy growth of boys.


Among them,

Kabuto-kazari is an ornament that only resembles head armor .

The reason for its popularity is that it is relatively compact and easy to display .

In a family that values tradition,

Some people choose a full-scale May doll with a full set of armor ,


If you choose according to your current home,

That would also be a family-friendly choice .

What is the difference between carp streamers and helmet decorations?

Decoration ideas

When I hear about Boys' Festival,

Some people think of both carp streamers and helmet decorations .

I think there are many people like that.


Both of them wish for the boy's growth.

Each has a slightly different meaning.

Carp streamers originate from the legend that carp swim up waterfalls and become dragons.

This decoration is meant to wish for success in life and the strength to work towards one's goals .



On the other hand, helmet ornaments are said to "protect oneself from disasters."

It is a symbol of protection that is filled with wishes.

Which one you choose will depend on your family and your home .


Some families have both,

There is also an increasing trend to display only compact helmets indoors .


What's important is the feelings that are put into the decoration.

I think it's important to communicate that properly.

Types and characteristics of helmet ornaments |

Compact and modern options

There are many different types and designs of helmet ornaments.


The authentic "armor and helmet decoration" is an impressive style that resembles the entire body.


On the other hand, the "Kabuto Ornament Single Type" that decorates only the head ,

It is popular because it is compact and easy to display .

Recently,

Colors that blend in with natural interiors ,

There are also more and more items with a gentle wood grain texture ,

More and more homes are enjoying them as seasonal decorations.

Without being too attached to tradition,

You can make your wishes in a family-like style .


"I want to display things that suit my home and treasure them for a long time."

You're sure to find a helmet that meets your needs.

When should you start displaying your helmet ornaments? When should you buy them?

Preparations and schedule for Boys' Day

Kabuto decorations are worn from the spring equinox (mid-March) onwards.

It's common to start decorating.


At the latest,

It is said that it is best to decorate the tree one to two weeks before the Boys' Festival .

Rather than rushing to prepare on the day of the festival,

I've been looking for it since around January or February,

It is best to start purchasing in early March.

It would be nice to enjoy decorating with your family during a time when you have more free time .


"This season has come again this year,"

Spending time together around the same decorations naturally becomes a milestone for the family .

The days to decorate are Taian and Tomobiki.


It may be more important to choose a day when you can decorate with a comfortable feeling .

How to decorate a helmet ornament for Boys' Day |

Placement, direction, and etiquette

There are no special rules for helmet decorations.


The most important thing is to display it somewhere that your family can see it every day .

for example,

A corner of the living room ,

We recommend placing it in a place where it will blend into your daily life, such as a decorative shelf in the entranceway .


If you care about the direction,

It is said to be auspicious to place it facing south or east, where yang energy enters .

Add a decorative stand, flowers, a small name flag, etc.

It's also nice to create a space that is unique to each child .


Rather than routine,

It is important to make the decorations memorable for the family .

This may be the best manners.

Can siblings share a helmet ornament?

Should I prepare it separately?

In a household with siblings,

Should we prepare a helmet ornament for each person ?

Or can I share it ?

I think you may often be confused.

It varies depending on the region and the family's way of thinking.

There's no rule that says you absolutely have to do this .



Some families continue to treasure their eldest son's helmet,

In some cases , each person is given a compact helmet .

What's important is,

What kind of feelings did you put into the gift ?


Even if there is only one shape,

If it is conveyed that it was decorated with all the siblings in mind ,

I'm sure that would be the most natural and warm choice.

How to care for and store helmet ornaments |

To use it for a long time and with care

Once the Boys' Festival is over,

It is recommended to put away your helmet ornaments on a sunny day with low humidity .


Not only is it easy to decorate,

Ease of storage is also an important factor to consider when choosing.

When cleaning,

Dust off with a soft cloth or brush ,

Be careful not to apply too much force.



When storing, adding a desiccant or insect repellent for dolls will help prevent

It will stay beautiful for a long time.

This "tidying up time"

It is an important moment as we celebrate the same festival every year.

By putting it away carefully,

We will be ready to welcome the helmet again next year with a smile.

[Summary] How to choose the right helmet decoration for Boys' Day

There are no right or wrong answers or rules when it comes to helmet decorations.


Naturally, the size, type, and decoration will vary from home to home.

However,

What they all have in common is that


It contains the wish that "this child will grow up healthy."


As long as that feeling exists,

The helmet you choose will surely be a perfect choice for your family.

I think it will be the best one .

The seasonal festival is a day when families put their feelings into shape and decorate their homes.


In a way that is easy and sustainable,

We hope you can celebrate your first Doll's Festival in a way that is unique to you .