Do you remember Hina Matsuri, the Doll Festival or Girls' Day which is celebrated on March 3rd? I blogged about it
here.
Well it is now time to prepare for Children's Day, formerly called Boys' Day, or in Japanese Kodomo-no-Hi or Tango-no-Sekku. For indepth details you can read this
article.
The actual day is May 5th but just like Hina Matsuri, you decorate the home from about a month beforehand. So it was time to take out my wall hanging of flying carps:
I made this many years ago using whatever I had available so there is a mismatch of material. It depicts a streamer at the top, then Daddy Carp, Mummy Carp and Baby Carp.
In the countryside huge streamers are hung near farmhouses (these are at Shimoda, in Kyushu) or across rivers, but in the city smaller ones are displayed from balconies.
Carps are strong fish and symbolize the fighting spirit parents want their children (sons) to have to overcome any problem in life.
There are other symbols of strength and courage used for decorations. The most famous is the samurai armor, and some of these 'dolls' take up a lot of space in homes, (and make a big dent in the grandparents' bank account!):
Is there anyone out there who's interested in braids and cords? Feast your eyes on the details.
Well if you can't find space, or money, for something like this, why not make a small helmet yourself? This one can sit in my palm.
I got the pattern from a friend and made it from chirimen and kimono scraps. The golden 'braid' is a thin string from a box of sweets. Three cheers for recycling!
Someone gave me this little doll, also made of chirimen, of
Kintaro. Note his helmet made of folded paper (origami).
