こどものひ　Children’s Day

Story: Earle sensei             Photographs: Mitsuko Tasihro                 Illustration: Kahlia Henry

P1:          The 5th of May is Children’s Day. “Grandpa, what is Children’s Day?”

P2:          This is a day to wish for good health and a future for the children. A long time ago, this 　　　　day was for boys only, but nowadays girls also celebrate this day.

P3:          On Children’s Day, people put out carp decorations.   “Why?”

P4:          “There is a legend that carps can become dragons if they can climb up a waterfall.  So, 　　　　people wish that the children can grow strong like the carp.”

P5:          The children wear the Samurai kimono.  “Why?”

P6:          “Samurai are strong.  therefore, it is to wish the children become strong like samurai.”

P7           People put out samurai helmets.

P8           The children wear a samurai helmet that is made from newspaper.  “Why?”

“The samurai helmets protected them; therefore, it is to wish that the helmets will                           protect the children from bad things.

P9           People put out flowers, Japanese iris.

P10:       And they have a bath with iris leaves.

“Why? “ “The iris leaves look like samurai swords. The samurai swords protected                              samurai.  Therefore, this is to wish that iris leaves will protect the children from bad                        things.

P11:       People eat oak leave rice cakes.   “Why?”

P12 “The oak leaves do not fall unless they produce a new bud.  Therefore, this is to wish that                children will have healthy children, just like the oak leaves.

P13:       People eat special treats.  “Wow, ripper!”    “Looks delicious.”

P14        ———————

P15:       People also enjoy Japanese sweets and cakes etc.

P16:       Japanese people celebrate Children’s Day together with their families, like this.

P17:       Therefore, let us say ‘thank you’ to the people in your family.

P18:       “Thank you, grandpa.”   “You are welcome.”

P19:       Well, let us celebrate Children’s Day.  “Richy, let’s take a boat ride to see the carp                           decorations!”

P20:       Hope you have an enjoyable day.  “Wow, happy!”