Kodomo-no-Hi is a holiday celebrated each year on the 5th day of the 5th month. In English it is called Children's Day. The Japanese have several holidays that revolve around children as the people of Okinawa just love their kids! During this time you will see carp streamers flying everywhere! Even at Ty and Ryan's school. A typical koinobori (streamer) will have a multicolored streamer called a fukinagashi on the top this is to represent the rough waters of the Yellow River. Next will be a large black carp called a magoi which represents the Father followed by a red carp, higoi, which is for the Mother, next will be smaller carp of other colors for each child in the family. We have our own that we fly at this time each year. they are very colorful and the wind blows them so they appear to be swimming. The Japanese want their children to grow up to be like carp which have virtuous qualities of perseverance and strength. We asked Ty and Ryan what they wanted to do on this day, Vicki was babysitting. They wanted McDonald's for dinner and to go swim and play at Araha Beach, Pirate Ship Beach, their favorite. We went out in town and ordered dinner at the drive thru and ended up eating it in the car as we drove to the beach. Traffic is always horrendous during this time. The Okinawan's basically celebrate for an entire week, it is called Golden Week. All families are out celebrating their children, so everywhere is crowded, but fun as it is all families basically celebrating life! We had a great time, wonderful way to spend our last Kodomo-no-Hi on Okinawa! There are more pictures under albums with the same blog title in our www.easysite.com/okicrew6 That is the fmaily blog, there will eventually be pixs in my picasa albums. Anyways, go give your kids a giant hug, loud smooch, and share some giggles!
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