Today is Boy’s Day in Hawaii. In Japan they have combined the Boy’s Day and Girl’s Day celebrations and honor both on May 5 as Children’s Day.
Families in Hawaii (particularly those with a Japanese heritage) will hang Carp Banners outside their homes, each one representing a son in the family. These banners are called Koi-Nobori.
As you would suspect, the largest carp is at the top and honors the oldest son. The smallest at the bottom honors the youngest son in the family.
Other items on display in the homes might include swords, bows, arrows, and special Boy’s Day dolls (like the dolls displayed during Girl’s Day) called Musha-Ningyo. These dolls are elaborate and represent warriors and legendary heroes.
When I lived in Hawaii my male friends celebrated girl’s day with us by bringing us guava cake. I’m not sure what we did for the guys, but it must have something REALLY, REALLY SPECIAL since I can’t recall! Hey—I think girls deserve to be spoiled, don’t you?
For more information on the history of this celebration, please visit this site:
For more information on the Boy’s Day dolls, click on this link:
Mahalo for visiting!
Cheryl
Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteI always learn so much from your posts :-) I might have told you this before, but my mother absolutely LOVED Hawaii and would have loved to follow your blog. I like to think she enjoys it from her Heavenly home :-) Thanks for another cool post!
Blessings,
Deb
very interesting!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Deb! I'm sure glad you're enjoying my blog for your mom. I hope you'll continue to read and share with others who might also have a passion for the islands!
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