A childcare quiz to enjoy on Children's Day! Learn about traditions and customs

iris

On Children’s Day, we take a bath called shobu-yu with iris leaves. This is because irises are believed to ward off evil forces. The long, sturdy leaves are sold at florists and supermarkets.

chimaki (a Japanese sticky rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves; in Chinese contexts, often called zongzi)

It’s commonly said that chimaki is eaten in the Kansai region, while kashiwa mochi is eaten in the Kanto region. Chimaki originally came from Chinese culture, and it spread to Japan through the Kansai area because that’s where the imperial capital was located at the time.

kashiwa mochi (oak leaf-wrapped rice cake)

The oak leaves wrapped around kashiwa mochi are considered auspicious and fortunate because they do not fall until new leaves grow. Why not touch and observe the sturdy, thick oak leaves?

oak leaf

The leaves used for kashiwa-mochi, which is eaten on Children’s Day, are oak leaves. Because the oak tree doesn’t shed its old leaves until new ones grow, it symbolizes the prosperous continuation of descendants. That’s why kashiwa-mochi wrapped in oak leaves is eaten as a lucky food on Children’s Day.

Kabuto (Samurai helmet)

There are various products, such as ones that display helmets and armor as they are, and ones that have dolls inside. If you fold a helmet out of newspaper, you can wear it, which makes for a fun activity.

koinobori (carp streamers)

It’s a large and impressive decoration, as sung about in the children’s song “Koinobori.” The sight of black, red, and blue carp streamers swimming in the sky is free-spirited and striking.

Wishing for the children's happiness and thanking the mother

Tango no Sekku, a festival for boys, and Children’s Day fall on the same date, but they have different meanings. As a national holiday, Children’s Day is designated to respect children’s individuality and to express gratitude to mothers.