Boy’s festival Day, Tango no Sekku, is an ancient Japanese tradition celebrating boys on the 5th day of the 5th month (May 5).  Families with boys fly carp-shaped streamers as symbols of strength and success, and  inside homes, warrior dolls are displayed.

The family bathes with iris leaves and roots believed to promote health and ward off evil.  A special treat Kasiwamochi, oak-leaf wrapped rice cakes with filled with a sweet bean paste, is eaten.

Girls have a different festival day, Hina Matsuri (the Doll’s festival) on the 3rd day of the 3rd month, March 3.  In 1948, the Boy’s Festival Day was renamed Children’s day (Kodomo no Hi)  as a national holiday to celebrate all children and express gratitude toward their mothers.