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Kodomo no hi (こどもの日) is a Japanese national holiday which takes place on May 5th. It is a day set aside for to respect children's personalities and to celebrate their happiness.
It was originally called Tango no Sekku (端午の節句), which may originally be a Chinese festival. From the beginning of history, May was said to be a month for purification, and many rites that were said to drive away evil spirits were performed in this month. The date was fixed to be May 5th after the Nara period.
On this day, families raise the carp-shaped Koinobori flags, one for each boy (or child), and display the traditional Japanese helmet, Kabuto. The Kabuto is the symbol of a strong and healthy boy: although it is not exactly said so, Kodomo no hi is generally said to be a "boy's day". (The girl's day is Hinamatsuri.) Mochi rice cakes wrapped in kashiwa oak leaves is traditionally eaten on this day.
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