Kodomo no hi

I was totally charmed by this popular holiday in Japan...the flying koinobori and the idea of celebrating children and honoring their mothers.  The fifth day of the fifth month was originally celebrated as Boy's Day and before that a celebration for samurai's sons.  Some people still prefer to celebrate Girl's Day (in March) and Boy's Day separately.  Carp is a symbol used for Children's Day and the bright windsocks, koinobori, fly outside families' homes.  The black carp represent the fathers and the red represent the mothers.  Then families fly a koinobori for each child in their home.  The carp are a symbol of strength and determination.  I bought some when we were there and you all probably remember them.