Koinobori are colorful carp-shaped streamers that are displayed in the gardens of homes to celebrate Tango no Sekku (now known as Children’s Day on May 5th) in Japan. These streamers are meant to wish for the healthy growth of boys. The sight of the carp streamers swimming in the air as they are blown by the wind is very pleasant.
Carp are believed to be very resilient fish that can climb waterfalls and transform into dragons. Additionally, the five colors of the Koinobori represent the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. In Buddhism, Yin-Yang Five Elements Theory, and traditional Japanese colors, blue (green) corresponds to wood, red to fire, yellow to earth, white to metal, and black (purple) to water. These five elements are believed to protect children from evil spirits and misfortune. In urban areas where there are no gardens to display Koinobori, people enjoy them in public spaces .
In urban areas where there are no gardens to display Koinobori, people enjoy them in public spaces.
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