May 5th - Boy's Day in Japan
The Boy's Day Festival is celebrated in Japan every May 5th. The symbol for the young man is the carp, a strong and brave carp. Each boy puts a cloth or paper carp on top of a tall bamboo pole in front of their house. The carp's mouth is open so the wind streams it out like a long banner. The special flower for this day is the iris, since it's long leaf is like a sword. Boy's day is supposed to promote loyalty and honor in the children.
The doll display for boy's day is not nearly as formal as the girl's. There are three or four steps, covered with green cloth. On the very top step are silk banners and dolls wearing ancient armour (1).
The first or second step holds the traditional large white horse, complete with armour (2). Nowadays, other steps also hold toy soldiers and cannons. A vase or two of irises is often added (3).
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