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Boys' Day festival
A traditional festival on May 5th celebrating the health and growth of boys. Families display warrior dolls, fly carp streamers, and eat special foods like kashiwamochi and chimaki.
Cultural note
One of the 五節句 (five seasonal festivals). May 5th is also a national holiday called こどもの日 (Children's Day). Traditional decorations include 五月人形 (warrior dolls), 鯉のぼり (carp streamers symbolizing strength and perseverance), and 兜 (samurai helmets). Special foods include 柏餅 and 粽. Families also take 菖蒲湯 (iris baths) to ward off evil.