123/365: Koinobori

Every year in late April you can see these carp streamers, or koinobori, hanging everywhere. The streamers are hung in celebration of Children's Day, which is May 5th. They symbolize strength and the determination of spirit in the same way that the carp persevere against a river's current. The pennants are also believed to drive away evil spirits. At most homes, koinobori are flown for each family member with the father's being the largest at the top, the mother's beneath it and then the children, with the youngest child at the bottom. Today, Children's Day represents a holiday when parents pray for their children to grow up healthy, strong and successful.