The carp is an old Chinese symbol of courage, perseverance and self-control, and the fact that it can swim against the stream symbolizes determination to overcome obstacles. There is also an old Chinese legend about a carp who, swimming up a waterfall on the Yellow River, was rewarded by Gods and became a dragon.
In Asia the carp also symbolizes good luck, health and long life, and in Japan it became the symbol of Tango no Sekku, the Boys’ Day, celebrated today, on May 5th.

To honor their sons, around the Tango no Sekku celebrations, the Japanese families use koinobori decorations, beautiful and colorful carp-shaped wind socks. The biggest carp represents the father, the next one the mother and so on…

Koinobori, Kasai Rinkai Park, Tokyo

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Tokyo places, Ueno