May 5th is Children's Day or Boys Festival, traditionally a holiday in Japan and people start decorating two items to pray for the growth of boys around this time of the year. One is the armor ←link and the other is Carp streamer ←link.
Quoted from these two pages (wikipedia, Carp Streamer)
Koinobori, meaning "carp streamer" in Japanese, are carp-shaped wind socks traditionally flown in Japan to celebrate Tango no Sekku (端午の節句), a traditional calendrical event which is now designated a national holiday; Children's Day. Landscapes across Japan are decorated with koinobori from April to early May, in honor of sons and in the hope that they will grow up healthy and strong.
*The reason of why carp is used for the design
| The carp design is derived from a Chinese legend. In the legend, a carp which could successfully run up against a waterfall becomes a dragon (in Japan, it is believed that there are millions of gods and dragon is thought to be one of them). From this legend, carp is thought to be a symbol of success and people in Japan began to fly Carp Streamers to wish their child future success. |
There are many places we can enjoy these displays
carp streamer decorated outside of the very old Japanese house
I've realized that these lovely carp streamers are not decorated as many as some decades ago. They makes us feel warm; thinking there is a boy in the house and the thoughts of the parents. Although it might be a tough job taking them out and put them back, I hope people keep following this lovely custom.
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