Historical Background
Tango no Sekku (端午の節句), also known as Ayame no hi (Iris Festival), has its origins in an annual ceremony held at the Japanese imperial court on May 5. This festival was part of the Gosekku, a group of five seasonal festivals celebrated at the court. The tradition can be traced back to the reign of Empress Suiko (593–628 AD), and by the Nara period (710–794 AD), it was established on the fifth day of the fifth month.
Originally, the festival involved women purifying their homes with iris leaves and taking a day of rest, as irises were believed to repel evil spirits. However, during the Kamakura period (1185–1333), the festival's focus shifted to boys, coinciding with the rise of the samurai class. The iris plant, with leaves resembling sword blades, became a symbol of the samurai. The word shōbu, meaning both 'iris' and 'to value military affairs,' further linked the plant to the samurai culture. Consequently, the day became an occasion to celebrate and protect samurai boys.
During the Kamakura to Muromachi periods (1185–1573), families began to display Japanese armor, kabuto (helmets), and swords in their homes to honor their sons and protect them from harm. This practice evolved in the Edo period (1603–1867) when households, both samurai and commoners, started displaying samurai dolls (musha ningyo) and paper kabuto, alongside traditional armor and weapons. The custom of decorating homes with koinobori (carp streamers) also began in this period, symbolizing strength and perseverance.
The Meiji era (1868–1912) saw the colorful koinobori becoming popular nationwide. With Japan's switch to the Gregorian calendar, the celebration date was set to May 5. Until 1948, this day was known as Boys' Day, complementing Girls' Day (Hinamatsuri) on March 3. In 1948, the Japanese government rebranded the holiday as Kodomo no Hi (Children's Day) to celebrate the happiness of all children and to express gratitude to mothers, thus including both boys and girls.
Throughout its history, Tango no Sekku has incorporated various customs aimed at warding off evil and promoting health and prosperity. Traditional foods such as kashiwa mochi (sticky rice cakes wrapped in oak leaves) and chimaki (sweet rice wrapped in iris or bamboo leaves) are enjoyed on this day. The oak leaves symbolize prosperity and continuity, while irises, believed to have medicinal properties, are used in baths, sake, and pillows to ensure protection and well-being.
Today, Tango no Sekku remains a vibrant part of Japanese culture, blending historical practices with contemporary celebrations to honor and protect children, reflecting the festival's enduring legacy and significance.
Suido Bridge and Surugadai, from the series One Hundred Famous Views of Edo (Edo Meisho Hyakkei), 1857, 5th lunar month , © Utagawa Hiroshige via Wikipedia
Themes and Symbols in Tango no Sekku
Koinobori (Carp Streamers): A central symbol of Tango no Sekku, Koinobori are carp-shaped windsocks flown outside homes to celebrate the holiday. Each family hoists a large black carp for the father, a red one for the mother, and smaller carp for each child. The practice originates from a Chinese legend about a carp that swims upstream to become a dragon, symbolizing perseverance and success. This tradition became popular during the Edo period (1603-1868), with the addition of more carps in the Meiji era to represent each family member.
Calamus (Shōbu) Bath: Taking a bath with iris leaves (calamus) is another traditional practice during Tango no Sekku. This custom, which came from ancient China to ward off evil spirits, was incorporated into Japanese culture during the Heian period (794-1185). The strong scent of calamus is believed to protect against illness and bad luck, symbolizing health and protection for children. This practice aligns with the homophone "shōbu" (尚武), meaning "militarism," reinforcing themes of strength and valor.
Warrior Dolls and Helmets: With the rise of the samurai class during the Kamakura period, Tango no Sekku incorporated martial elements. The use of iris leaves and displays of armor and weapons symbolized protection and the cultivation of martial virtues. Decorative elements such as the yaguruma (a wheel with arrow spokes) and golden spheres atop flagpoles were meant to repel evil spirits and attract divine favor. Inside homes, families display warrior dolls and helmets (kabuto), symbolizing strength, bravery, and protection. This tradition dates back to the Kamakura period (1185-1333) when the warrior class rose to prominence. These displays often include figurines of historical and folklore heroes like Kintarō, Minamoto no Yoshitsune, and Benkei, emphasizing virtues such as courage, loyalty, and martial prowess.
Chimaki and Kashiwa Mochi: On this day, traditional foods like chimaki and kashiwa mochi are enjoyed. Chimaki, a sweet dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves, originates from China and symbolizes loyalty and protection from evil. Kashiwa mochi, rice cakes wrapped in oak leaves, signify family continuity and prosperity. The oak tree, which retains its leaves until new ones sprout, symbolizes the wish for healthy descendants.
Historical Evolution: Tango no Sekku evolved from an imperial court celebration to a widespread cultural event during the Edo period, where it became accessible to commoners. The symbolism of the carp, representing perseverance and success, became integrated into the celebration, reflecting societal aspirations for children’s future success. The festival’s transition to a national holiday in 1948, renamed Children’s Day, expanded its focus to celebrate the health and happiness of all children, not just boys.
Tango no Sekku in Art
Traditional Japanese art often features vivid depictions of carp streamers (Koinobori), which symbolize strength and perseverance, fluttering in the wind. These streamers are prominently displayed in ukiyo-e prints and paintings, capturing the essence of this festive day. The elaborate warrior dolls (Gogatsu Ningyo), including figures like Shōki the demon slayer and the heroic Kintarō, are meticulously crafted and displayed as part of the celebrations. These dolls not only reflect the festival's connection to martial values but also serve as protective talismans. Additionally, the intricate designs of samurai armor and helmets (Kabuto), used in decorations, highlight the cultural significance of bravery and protection. Artists have also portrayed scenes of children participating in mock battles with acorus leaves, further emphasizing the day's playful yet symbolic traditions.
Brandon Borgelt, Samurai Warrior Bronze Original, 2021. Sculpture, bronze, 75cm x 40cm.
Brandon Borgelt’s Samurai Warrior Bronze Original (2021) is a meticulously crafted sculpture that embodies the martial virtues celebrated during Tango no Sekku. Standing 75cm high, the bronze sculpture features a samurai warrior, detailed with a foundry brown patina and a polished stainless steel katana, symbolizing the strength, bravery, and protection revered in the festival. The tradition of displaying warrior dolls and helmets (kabuto) during Tango no Sekku, rooted in the Kamakura period, parallels Borgelt’s work by emphasizing the same values through its portrayal of a samurai, an iconic figure of martial prowess. This artwork, part of a limited series including Spartan and Gladiator figures, resonates with the festival’s historical elements of showcasing armor and weapons to ward off evil and foster courage, linking contemporary artistry with centuries-old cultural practices.
Victoria Slavinska, Carp Streame, 2024. Painting, acrylic & oil on paper, 42cm x 30cm.
Victoria Slavinska’s Carp Stream, a 2024 acrylic and oil painting on paper, beautifully captures the essence of Tango no Sekku through its symbolic and urban style. The artwork portrays koinobori, the colorful carp-shaped streamers traditionally flown during the festival to celebrate children's growth and strength. Slavinska’s use of vibrant colors and dynamic composition brings a modern twist to this age-old custom, connecting contemporary artistic expression with the cultural heritage of Tango no Sekku.
Tango no Sekku, or the Boys' Festival, is a rich tapestry of historical traditions and cultural symbols that have evolved over centuries to celebrate and protect children. From its origins in the Japanese imperial court to its transformation into a national holiday, the festival encapsulates themes of strength, perseverance, and health through its customs and decorations. The artistic representations of the festival highlight the enduring significance of these traditions. These artworks connect the martial virtues and symbolic elements of Tango no Sekku with contemporary artistic expressions, illustrating how the festival continues to inspire and resonate in modern times. Through the display of koinobori, samurai dolls, and traditional foods, Tango no Sekku remains a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage and the values of courage, loyalty, and protection.
Selena Mattei