Hello to all readers - especially children. Only by reading the title, you might think, "why on earth should I be happy about that? I don't even understand it!" Well, I'm here to fill you in about the wonderful Kodomo No Hi bit by bit.

Background first!

Kodomo No Hi is Japanese, and it can be roughly translated as "Children's Day". So that's why it's so exciting. Falling on every 5th of May, people in Japan celebrate this national holiday. On this day, children are the stars, they are honoured for their unique strength and beauty.

However, during the Nara period, this holiday was originally meant for women to purify the house. And later, during the Kamakura period, it is called Calle Tango no Sekku, which means Boy's Day, and like it said, it was only meant for boys. That was what happened until 1948, when it was officially changed for grownups to celebrate for both boys and girls. But some people still prefer celebrating it as Boy's Day, and celebrating Girl's Day on 3rd March. Anyway, it is now one of the most well - known and loved holidays in Japan.

Coming up, the traditional activities!

1. On Kodomo No Hi, people fly carp streamers - it is a kind of wind sock that looks like a fish. People fly them outside buildings, and people believe they can bring good luck for their children.

2. They also fly Koi fish (Carp). Carps are fish that fight their ways through upstreams of powerful waterfalls. They symbolise strength and bravery.

As for the celebrations inside, here are a few suggestions -

1. Yummy Kashiwa-mochi! These are rice cakes mixed with bean sauce that have oak leaves wrapped around them. They are representatives of strength. Hmm... maybe if you eat these rice cakes, you might not even need a Strengthening Charm to make you stronger!

2. Samurai dolls. Usually, this type of doll represents characters in Japanese folktales. The moral of each doll is connected with the character it represents.

3. Iris flowers. I'm sure you've heard about this one. Iris flowers almost include every colour of the rainbow, and they're really fragrant! They bloom every May. People plant them in houses or gardens to ward off evil. Some even scatter iris leaves in their baths! These baths are known as syobuyu.

4. You can even tell stories to children! Perhaps the most famous ones are called "Momotaro, The Peach Boy" and "Kintaro, The Nature Boy". They both tell a story about two boys that are strong, healthy and kind.

Those are only some of the things you can do on Kodomo No Hi. There are heaps more. If you want to learn loads more, you can do some research!

Conclusion:

From colourful carp streamers swimming in the air to Iris flowers blooming gracefully, we unquestionably can't deny that this Japanese holiday is quite individual yet fun! Happy Kodomo No Hi, children!

Let's end it with a little Japanese song translated into English:

Carp streamers are higher than the roof

The biggest carp is the father

The small carp are children

Enjoying swimming in the sky

Well then, just like the song says - enjoy!

Written by Lily

Edited by Hazel Emory Antler

Proofread by Sara Rowan