Thursday, May 15, 2014

Colorful carp banners

It is a Japanese custom started during the Edo period (1603~1867).
It is made to decorate at the garden of the house, by imitating the carp fish like swimming in the wind, as a prayer for the successful career and health of the son until May 5 of Children's Day. 


In the olden days, the home with male child will have a colorful carp banner.


Though it is normal, the Japanese household gradually became small and confined as the population increased, and this could be hardly seen in the city.


However, it is possible to see if you go to the countryside.
Recently, a small colorful carp banner for use at the veranda in the apartment house was launched in the market.



It is common site in the spring of Japan, which we do not want to eliminate even if the environment where the young generation lives has changed.


As the child grows up, the carb banners become unnecessary. Recently an even was held in various regions of Japan related to carp banners. The unnecessary carp banners were collected, and was made to swim over the river that flows in the town.



It is colorful and very beautiful site when such carp banners are gathered at one place.






This is the carp banner that we decorated in our garden at our home wishing the grown of our son.

 I wish to the next generation to inherit and continue such old customs for a long time.

No comments: