Children's Day (Tango no Sekku) Coloring Pages

A Special Day to Wish for Growing Up Strong! Children's Day (Tango no Sekku)

May 5th every year is "Children's Day (Tango no Sekku)." This is a day to wish for children's health and happiness, and also to thank mothers. It originally started as an event called "Children's Day (Tango no Sekku)," and it has a very long history. Since long ago, people have put up decorations and eaten special foods with wishes for children to stay safe from sickness and bad things, and to grow up strong and healthy.

Symbols of Children's Day (Tango no Sekku)

When Children's Day (Tango no Sekku) gets close, there are things you see often around houses and in town. Each one has a special meaning!

• Koinobori (Carp Streamers): A legend says a carp that swims up a waterfall turns into a dragon. Because of this, it shows a wish for you to stay strong against any trouble and grow up great.
• Kabuto Helmets and May Dolls: Samurai armor and helmets were used to protect warriors long ago. They act as charms to protect children from sickness and accidents.
• Shobu (Iris Leaves): You might know these from "Shobu-yu," a bath with iris leaves floating in it! People believe the strong smell of iris leaves chases bad things away.

Foods for Children's Day (Tango no Sekku)

The treats you eat on Children's Day (Tango no Sekku) are full of good luck!

• Kashiwamochi: Old oak leaves do not drop until new buds grow. Because of this, eating this cake wishes for your family to stay happy and strong for a long time.
• Chimaki: This food came from China. It is wrapped in leaves of a plant called Chigaya. People say it has the power to keep bad things away.
• Differences by Region: People often eat "Kashiwamochi" in the Kanto region, but eating "Chimaki" is a stronger custom in the Kansai region!

Tips for Enjoying Your Coloring Pages

When you color your Children's Day (Tango no Sekku) coloring page, use lots of bright colors to celebrate!

• Carp Streamer Scales: Instead of using just one color, try making each scale a different color. You can also try a gradient (changing colors little by little) to make it look super fancy.
• Shiny Helmets: Use yellow and orange to make the metal parts of the helmet look like real gold. If you leave a few white spots, it will look like light is shining right off it!
• The Sky Background: Color a bright blue sky so your carp streamers look like they are swimming happily. You can also draw white clouds or a big sun to make it feel extra cheerful.
• Strong Lines: Tracing the lines of the helmet and carp streamers with a thicker colored pencil or marker will make your picture pop and look so cool.

Make It Your Very Own Design!

It is fun to add your own patterns like polka dots, stripes, or stars that real carp streamers do not have. Have fun making your very own special carp streamer!

Carp turn into dragons?! The amazing legend

The origin of koinobori carp streamers comes from an old Chinese story. It was said that only the carp that could swim up a rushing waterfall could rise to the sky and become dragons. That is why people started putting up carp-shaped streamers, wishing for children to grow up strong and wonderful.

The secret of the 5-color "streamer"

The thing with 5 colored ribbons fluttering at the very top of the carp streamers is called a "fukinagashi streamer." These 5 colors—blue, red, yellow, white, and black (or purple)—show the power of nature: "wood, fire, earth, metal, and water." They are meant to ward off evil (drive away bad things).

Why oak leaves?

Oak leaves used for Kashiwa-mochi are very special plants. The old leaves never fall off until new buds grow! Because of this, they were chosen as a symbol of good luck, meaning "parents watch over their children, and the family line goes on forever."

Why put iris leaves in the bath?

On Children's Day (Tango no Sekku), people take an "iris bath" (shobu-yu). Iris leaves look like swords. Also, the word "shobu" sounds just like the words for "victory" and "respecting the warrior spirit." That is why ancient samurai cherished them very much. It is also said that their strong scent cleanses your body.

Was it just for boys in the past?

Long ago, Children's Day (Tango no Sekku) was a celebration just for boys to grow up strong. But in 1948, it became a national holiday called Children's Day for everyone. It was created to "respect children's personalities, wish for children's happiness, and thank mothers."

There is a reason for the shape of chimaki

Chimaki rice dumplings are long and thin because they were made to look like the horns of a dragon. Dragons were honored as gods of water. People put their wishes into chimaki to borrow the dragon's power and protect themselves from bad luck.