Culture — May 5, 2009 8:15 — View Comments Written by: Jan

Celebrating Boys’ Day In Hawaii

Koinobori
Floating in the summer breeze
Wishes for my sons
~ J. Avellana

Walk through almost every neighborhood in April and May, and notice a rainbow of a different sort. Attached to bamboo poles stuck into the front yard, colorful carp in red, green and blue will be flying overhead, as though swimming in the skies. During this time of year, many families in Hawaii raise their brightly colored flying carp banners, or Koinobori, as it is known in Japanese. On May 5th of each year, the carp banners symbolize the Boys’ Hawaii Boys' Day: Koinobori Festival or “Tango-no-Sekku”, known more commonly as Boys’ Day. In recent times, this day has been reestablished as Kodomo no Hi, or Childrens’ Day, but the traditional symbols and celebrations still exist.

The wind blown carp—a fish known for its spirit and power—floats in the breeze, as if swimming strongly up a swiftly flowing, invisible current. Thus, the carp symbolizes what many parents wish for their sons; for strength of character and courage. The largest fish represents the eldest son, with smaller carp representing the younger boys in the family.

The Boys’ Festival can be traced back to a Chinese custom known as “Sechie”. During this custom, bow and arrows and ceremonial attire including helmets, were worn by royal guards and became popular in the Japanese court during the reign of Empress Suiko in 593-629A.D. Because of this history, helmets, swords, bows and arrows, and other ceremonial wear are often used to decorate the tokonoma, or special alcove, which is set aside for special displays such as this.

Several other historical legends have influenced Boys’ Day and with each, various artifacts and symbols have made their way into today’s modern day celebration. One legend points to a custom in which farmers drive away insects which are damaging young and emerging plants. Farmers at the time, chased away the insects by using boldly colored banners and scary figures, which later came to represent warriors and power. These warrior dolls—called “Musha-Ningyo”—have been incorporated into today’s Boys’ Day celebration as a reminder of manhood, and serve to keep evil spirits away.

Originating in Japan, families all around the world with ties to Japanese culture continue this celebration as they lovingly honor their children. Parents are able to express their deep longing for their children’s health and happiness, while they in turn take the opportunity to show love and respect for their parents on this special occasion.

Interested in learning more about Boys’ Day? Here are a few resources to get you started:

Books:

“Girl’s Day/Boy’s Day” by Minako Ishii $16.95
“Boys’ Day in Hawaii with Yuki Chan” by Tokie Ching and Arai Sets $12.95

Shop for Boys’s Day Items:

Shirokiya at the Ala Moana Center

Boys’ Day Origami:

Events:

Boy’s Day Storytime – Barnes & Noble, Kahala Mall – May 5th
Kauai’s Boys’ Day Mochi Tradition

How do you celebrate Boys’ Day or Childrens’ Day? If you grew up observing this tradition, what special childhood memories do you have surrounding this celebration?