Kodomo no Hi is a holidiay every May 5 to celebrate the happiness of boys and girls and to express gratitude to mothers. Before 1948 the same type of May 5 celebration was called Tango-no-Sekku which celebrated just boys. Celebration of Tango-no-Sekku probably began around 600 c.e. On the day of this latter festival, families with a son displayed armored samurai dolls and warrior items such as miniature helmets in their houses. They also hung out carp streamers in their gardens and prayed for their son's success in life. The carp on streamers such as those seen in this photo appear to be swimming when the wind catches them. According to a Chinese legend carp swam upstream to become dragons. In Japanese folklore, carp symbolize determination, strength, energy and success - carp swim upstream and overcome all obstacles in doing so. In 1948, the Japanese government declared Kodomo no Hi a national holiday. The name Kodomo no Hi which celebrates sons and daughters is used for the modern day holiday instead of the older name Tango-no-Sekku which celebrated just sons.
Takayama is surrounded by mountains and has an old world feel. It was a big supplier of timber during the Edo Period, the feudal period from the early 1600’s to mid 1800’s when the town was under shogunate control.
Takayama is located in the mountainous Hida region. The town often is referred to as Hida-Takayama to distinguish it from other places named Takayama.
IMG_1581