Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Koinobori*

We all know that May 5th is Cinco de Mayo, but did you know the 5th of May in Japan is the Festival of Children. A carp is flown for each son in the family, a very large one for the eldest, the others ranging down in size.The carp has become the symbol of the Boys' Festival because the Japanese consider it the most spirited of fish, so full of energy and power that it can fight its way up swift-running streams. Because of its strength and determination to overcome all obstacles, it stands for courage and the ability to attain high goals. The carp is an appropriate symbol to encourage manliness and the overcoming of life's difficulties leading to consequent success. Festival or not...I choose these.





*Koinobori - koi means carp and nobori means flag.
available here

5 comments:

ticklishfromadistance said...

Did not know that. That is a sweet tradition.

Debra said...

And this is what keeps me returnig. You have such great tips, style, and bits of fun information.

Maia said...

These are really sweet! We have a couple of the traditional ones - and we fly them in spite of the fact that we have only one girl, and no boys. But, here's my thinking: she is a major tomboy. She is spirited, vigorous, forceful and fearless. As a child abandoned by her birth parents, she has certainly had to overcome difficulties in life. So I think the carp is an appropriate symbol for our fierce survivor of a little girl.

jae said...

g. - I didn't know it either...until recently that is.

Debra - grin and thanks.

Wanderer's Daughter - I love that you do this and yes, absolutely appropiate.

Courtney said...

Oh my gosh I love these!! And how cute in a kid's room too.