What Do You Do on Boy’s Day?
Beginning in late April and on into May, Japanese families display colorful Koi-Nobori, carp-shaped wind socks made of cloth or paper that dance and swim in the breeze. The koi are hoisted up on long bamboo poles and, along with pretty ribbons, are mounted up on the rooftops. You can tell how many boys live in each house because there is one koi for each son – the eldest getting the biggest and prettiest fish.

If you want to display your own koi for your sons but don’t know where to buy a Koi-Nobori, why not try making your own at home? Have your little boys Make Their Own Koi so that they can celebrate Boy’s Day, too! You can also practice the ancient art of Origami, folded paper, with this fun Origami Koi project.

Why do the Japanese fly koi on Boy’s Day? Because they feel that the koi represents the spirit of boys. The koi is a courageous fish that is so full of energy and spirit that it can fight its way up a raging stream. They see the koi as a determined fish that can attain any goal – and these are exactly the characteristics they want to instill in their growing sons! The koi is also a majestic and beautiful fish. Make sure your boys understand what kind of fish the koi is as they cut out and decorate their own Koi-Nobori.

Japanese families also display Musha-Ningyo, warrior dolls, indoors to remind boys to be strong and courageous. They’re also supposed to ward off evil spirits. The children (both boys and girls) have fun on Boy’s Day eating Chimaki, sweet rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves, and Kashiwa-Mochi, rice cakes filled with sweet bean paste wrapped in oak leaves.

How Did Boy’s Day Begin?
No one’s really quite sure how Boy’s Day began. Some think that the flying koi date back to ancient Japanese farmers who flew bright banners to scare away insects and other pests in May; others argue that the celebrations date back to Tokimune Hojo’s victory over invading Mongols on May 5th, 1282 when Samurai families flew colorful flags and streamers to celebrate the triumph. Either way, Boy’s Day has become a long-standing tradition in Japan and one worth enjoying here in America as well. Celebrate Boy’s Day with your sons this year and learn a bit about Japan and its history while you’re at it. For more information on studying Japanese culture, check out our article, Let’s Visit Japan!