[For Kids] Fun Facts & Trivia Quiz about Koinobori (Carp Streamers)

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While it is a common tradition to display carp streamers (koinobori) outdoors, it is not strictly necessary to do so. In places with limited space, such as apartments and condominiums, people often celebrate in different ways, like displaying small koinobori indoors. What matters most is the wish for children’s healthy growth and happiness.

mother

Koinobori symbolize the family: typically, the black koinobori represents the father, the red koinobori represents the mother, and the smaller koinobori in blue, green, and other colors represent the children.

Japan

Koinobori originated in Japan. They are displayed on Tango no Sekku, the Boys’ Festival in May, to pray for children’s health and growth. Although the festival itself has roots in China’s Duanwu Festival, the custom of displaying koinobori is a uniquely Japanese tradition.

Tokyo Olympics

Speaking of the Tokyo Olympics, the 2020 Games are still fresh in our memories, but this is a story about Japan’s first Olympics, held in 1964. Until then, koi nobori (carp streamers) came in just two colors—black and red—but inspired by the colorful Olympic rings, people thought, “Why not make them more colorful?” That’s how blue and green carp streamers came to be.

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The roots of koinobori in Japan can be traced to legends from ancient China and to the banners raised during battles. Imitating those flags, they spread mainly among the samurai class in the Edo period as a way to pray for family safety and the healthy growth of boys. Later, they were adopted by ordinary households and evolved into the koinobori we know today.