According to the law of 1948,"Children's character is valued. Children's happiness is aimed at. We wish to express our gratitude to mother." That is it's aim. Children's Day is an event which originated in China. It occurs on May 5 and the day that is called "Tangonosekku". Wishes on this day are for the child's happiness and welfare.
The flag called "Koinobori" which has
the shape of the carp is hoisted outdoors. As it blows against the wind it
symbolizes the child's dertermination to overcome adversity. Samurai dolls
called "Gogatu Ningyou" or a doll to have the shape
of hero like"Kintaro" of "Otogi Banasi" is
used to decorate inside the house.
We eat the "Timaki" and "Kasiwa Mothi". The plant that is called "Syoubu" and "Yomogi" is hung on eaves. We take a bath with iris leaves where the bunch of "Syoubu" was floated. (It is thought to promote good health and ward off evil.
The Chinese character "Tan" or "Tango" In Japanese means "Start of thing". "Tango" originally has the meaning of day of the start of the moon.
"Timaki" was originally made in China.
Glutinous rice is steamed to make "Moti". It is cut in a
triangle and a conic type. It is placed inside a leaf of bamboo
grass. In what connected by "Igusa". It is then heated. After that
leaf of the bamboo grass is removed and the rice is eaten.
About "Kasiwa Moti", A "round" rice cake
Bean jam (bean, "azuki bean" is
boiled down, then sugar is added). You eat the candy which is wrapped
with the Kashiwa (oak) leaf. We don't eat the leaf; it is used to hold the
candy.
by Ebi-Hiroaki
