Tango no Sekku Koinobori, Boys Day in Japan

If you travel to Japan during end April and beginning of May, you will surely notice a lot of carp-like streamers made of cloth or paper, waving in the wind. These are koinobori, decorations displayed for Tango no Sekku, the Boys Day, which is celebrated today, on May 5th.

Why the carp? In the Japanese tradition, because the carp swims against the current, it is a symbol for courage and ability to overcome obstacles and difficulties, a symbol for success, perfect qualities for a man...