Children’s Day and Displaying Kabuto,Samurai Helmet
taizoyokhamatotsuka
What is Children’s day?
May 5th is Children’s day -Kodomo no Hi-which is the national holiday in Japan.
It has been the traditional celebration since ancient times known as Tango festival (Tango no Sekku).
This became a festival for boys corresponding to the doll festival for girls held on March 3 and renamed Children’s Day.
However it is still celebrated in most families in the traditional way as a festival for boys. It is customary on this day to display koinobori, or carp streamers. which are said to swim upstream against strong currents and become a dragon once it reaches the top of a waterfall. Parents hope that their children will show similar strength.
The families with little sons also display warrior dolls with Samurai helmets or just samurai helmets which are called “Kabuto” in Japanese.
The traditional foods and activities associated with Children’s Day are “Chimaki” (Rice cakes wrapped in bamboo leaves) and “Kashiwamochi” (Rice cakes filled with sweet bean taste”Anko” and wrapped in oak leaves).
The reoson why displaying Kabuto
Kabuto is a tool for protecting the body and also the symbol of strength, courage, and success. The history of helmets and armor has developed not only as “protective gear,” but also as objects that connect to deities and gods.
People pray for their kids to be protected from diseases and accidents and become strong and courageous and grow in good health.
The parts of Kabuto
- Kuwagata
The ornaments which look like horn are called Kuwagata and said to display their dignity and power. It is said to originate from horn of deer. - Fukikaeshi
It is the part that protects the face from the sword in a fight. - Shikoro
It is a part to protect the neck. - Shinobio
Chin strap
Recently, Kabuto attracts attention because of the performance of major league baseball team Los Angels Angels.
They make the batter who hit a home run wear a Kabuto while sharing the joy of scoring points as the picture of following link.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230410/p2g/00m/0sp/031000c
It is expensive like 100-2000USD to buy Kabuto.But is is a symbol of Samurai.
So it is an attractive souvenir or decoration in your room.
