Children's Day, known as Kodomo no Hi, is a traditional festival that is celebrated on the 5th of May every year in Japan. The day is directed towards celebrating the happiness and individuality of children and to respect their uniqueness. In 1948, the government of Japan declared this day as a national holiday to celebrate the health, happiness, and growth of children.
On this day, families with boys fly large carp-shaped wind socks called 'Koinobori', one for each boy in the family, outside their houses which is a symbol of a carp climbing a waterfall and has a tendency to demonstrate strength and success. 'Kabuto', or samurai helmets, are also displayed in homes and some boys even wear them. These things are done in the anticipation of the boys growing up strong and healthy.
In addition to these traditional acts, the holiday is marked by various activities such as communities organizing children's parades, parties, and events. Special dishes are also prepared, like Kashiwamochi, a sweet made from sticky rice filled with sweet red bean paste and wrapped in an oak leaf. Meanwhile, Chimaki, a kind of sticky rice dumpling, is also made and eaten on this day. This holiday is meant to instill an understanding in children of being members of a family, community, and ultimately of Japan itself.